Annas reported that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“I have left among you two things you will never go astray as long as you hold fast to them: the Book of Allah and my Sunnah.(Haakim)

As Almighty Allah has revealed in this verse:[Today I have perfected your religion for you and completed My blessing upon you, and I am pleased with Islam as a religion for you](Al-Ma'idah 5:3),Islam is the final divine religion. Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is[the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Prophets](Al-Ahzab 33:40).

The faithful learn the kind of moral values they need to display in order to attain the approval, compassion, and Paradise of Allah; what they must avoid and what they must abide by; what is lawful and what is forbidden; in short, all the details regarding the kind of life that will be pleasing to Allah from the Qur'an. Another mercy and blessing of our Lord for believers is the Sunnah of the Prophet

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is a blessed individual, whom Allah has sent as a role model for all people with his moral values:

[You have an excellent model in the Messenger of Allah for all who put their hope in Allah and the Last Day and remember Allah much](Al-Ahzab 33:21)

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is a role model for everyone with his faith, godliness, knowledge, and superior moral values. With his patience, trust in Allah, courage, devotion, closeness to Allah, justice, compassion, love, affection for believers, and foresight, he possessed moral values that are greatly admired by the faithful.

All believers strongly desire and strive to possess these qualities to attain the moral model required by the the Qur'an. For all these reasons, all his words, decisions, recommendations, advice, and life —the Sunnah — represent a most valuable guide for all those who wish to understand and live by the Qur'an.

Many verses of the Qur'an emphasize the importance of obeying the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)and adhering to his path in. One of these reads:

[Whoever obeys the Messenger has obeyed Allah. If anyone turns away, We did not send you [Muhammad] to them as their keeper.](An-Nisaa' 4:80)

The Sunnah is the interpretation, explanation of, and commentary on the Qur'an. Therefore, no believer, neither man nor woman, has any right to reject it:

[When Allah and His Messenger have decided something, it is not for any man or woman of the believers to have a choice about it. Anyone who disobeys Allah and His Messenger is clearly misguided.](Al-Ahzab 33:36)

[Whatever the Messenger gives you, you should accept, and whatever he forbids you, you should forgo. Have fear [and respect] of Allah — Allah is severe in retribution.](Al-Hashr 59:7)

1.When first waking up in the morning

1.As soon as one awakens they should rub both palms on the face and eyes so that the effects of sleep are removed.(Tirmidhi)

There is none worth of worship but Allah alone, Who has no partner, His is the dominion and to Him belongs all praise, and He is able to do all things. Glory is to Allah. Praise is to Allah. There is none worth of worship but Allah. Allah is the Most Great. There is no might and no powers except by Allah’s leave, the Exalted, the Mighty. My Lord, forgive me.

Whoever says this will be forgiven, and if he supplicates Allah, his prayer will be answered; if he performs ablution and prays, his prayer will be accepted.(Bukhari)

4.To make Miswaak when awakening is Sunnah(Abu Dawood)

Note:This is a separate Sunnah to when making Miswaak in Wudhu

5.When wearing one’s trousers, first put on the right leg, then the left one. When putting on a kurta or shirt, first put on the right sleeve and then the left one. The same procedure should be followed when wearing a vest. When wearing a shoe, first put on the right shoe. When removing any garment or shoe, first remove the left, then the right. This is the Sunnah method when removing any garment from the body(Bukhari, Tirmidhi “the chapter on clothing” and Shamaaile Tirmidhi).

3.Water and lumps of earth should be taken to the toilet for the purpose of Isthinja (Washing privates). However if these are already in the toilet then it is not necessary. It is Sunnah to take the clods of earth.(Tissue will suffice).(Tirmidhi)

4.Whilst going to the toilet Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)always covered his head and wore shoes(Ibn Saad)

5.One should not stand up and urinate but sit and urinate(Tirmidhi)

6. It is best to lower oneself as much as possible before uncovering oneself for isthinja(Tirmidhi)

7.Any item which has the name of Allah and Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)on it should be removed before entering toilet.(Nasai)

Note:The name of Allah should not be said in the toilet.

8.One should not show ones back or face towards the Qa’ba whilst relieving oneself.(Tirmidhi)

9.Whilst relieving oneself one should not talk unless out of dire necessity(Mishkaat)

10.Whilst making Isthinja the right hand should not be used or touch the private parts but only the left hand should be used(Bukhari, Muslim)

11.One should be VERY cautious not to splash urine anywhere because this is one of the causes of grave punishment.(Tirmidhi)

Important:One should ALWAYS sit down when urinating to avoid drops going elsewhere

Ibn 'Abbas (Ra)states that,'Once the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)while passing through a graveyard heard the voices of two persons who were being punished in their graves.The Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,'These two persons are being punished not for something major (it is not difficult to be save from it).'

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)then added,'Yes!(They are being tortured for a major sin)Indeed, one of them never saved himself from being soiled with his urine while the other would go about with backbiting (to make enmity between friends).'The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)then asked for a branch of a date-palm tree, broke it into two pieces, and put one on each grave. On being asked why he had done so, he replied,'I hope that their torture might be lessened, until these get dried.'

12. If there are no toilets around then one should go to a place where there is guarantee where one cannot be seen or as far as possible from the sight of people.(Tirmidhi)

13. It is better to sit and urinate on soft ground so that urine does not splash onto one(Tirmidhi)

14. Isthinja should first be made with earth or toilet paper and then with water.(Tirmidhi)

15.When leaving the toilet, go out with your right foot first and recite:

Ghufraanak. Alhamdulillaahilladhee adh-haba annill adhaa wa ‘afaanee

Oh Allah I seek Your forgiveness. All praises are due to Allah who has taken away from me discomfort and granted me relief.(Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and Tirmidhi)

3. Virtues of using Miswaak

1.Hadhrat Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrates that Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said: "Was it not for my fear of imposing a difficulty on my Ummah I would have ordered that the Miswaak be used for every Salah, and delay in Isha prayer '."(Bukhari)

2.HadhratIbn Umar (Ra) narrates that the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:'Make a regular practice of the Miswaak, for verily, it is healthy for the mouth and it is a Pleasure for the Creator (i.e. Allah is pleased with the Muslim who uses the Miswaak)'."(Bukhari)

3.Hadhrat A’isha(Ra)narrates that Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:The reward of Salah (Prayers) is multiplied 70 times if Miswaak was used before it.(Targhib wa Tarhib)

The same narration has been mentioned by Ibn Abbas (Ra) and Jabir(Ra) and Abu Darda(Ra). In another hadith the virtue is said to br multiplied by 75 according to the narration of Ibn Umar (Ra) in"Rawahu Abu naim"

Allamah Tahtawi (Ra) in his"Mariqiul Falah"in sidenote from Abbas (Ra), Ali (Ra) and Ata (Ra) has mentioned athar about virtue from 99 to 400 times multiplied the Virtue of salah.

The Ulama explain that the difference in reward is in accordance with the Ikhlaas – sincerity of the person. The more the sincerity, the more the reward.

4.Hadhrat Ayesha (Ra)narrates from Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam):“Two Rak’ahs of Salah after using the Miswaak is more beloved unto me than seventy Rak’ahs without Miswaak.”(As Sunanul Kubraa)

5. Miswaak is to be held in the right hand

According to ‘Abd Allah Ibn Mas’ud (Ra) the Miswaak should be held in the right hand so that the small finger is below the Miswaak and the thumb is below the tip and the other fingers are on top of the Miswaak. It should not be held in the fist.

6. Aadaab (Etiquette) of Miswaak

(1) The Miswaak should be a straight twig, devoid of roughness.

(2) The Miswaak should be clean.

(3) The Miswaak should not be too hard nor too soft.

(4) The Miswaak should not be used while one is lying down.

(5) The new Miswaak should be approximately 8 inches (a hand-span) in length.

(6) The Miswaak should be the thickness of the forefinger.

(7) Before using the Miswaak, it should be washed.

(8) After use it should be washed as well.

(9) The Miswaak should not be sucked.

(10) The Miswaak should be placed vertically when not in use. It should not be thrown onto the ground.

(11) If the Miswaak is dry it should be moistened with water prior to use. This is Musthahab. It is preferable to moisten it with Rose water.

(12) The Miswaak should not be used in the toilet.

(13) The Miswaak should be used at least thrice (brush three times) for each section of the mouth, e.g. brush the upper layer of teeth thrice, then the lower layer thrice, etc.

(14) The Miswaak should not be used at both ends.

(15) The Miswaak should not be taken from an unknown tree as it may be poisonous.

7. Sunnah for using Miswaak:

1. For the recitation of the Holy Qur’an.2. For the recitation of Hadith.3. When the mouth emits bad odour.4. For teaching or learning the virtues of Islam.5. For making remembrance of Allah (The Exalted).6. Before intercourse.7. After entering one’s home.8. Before entering any good gathering.9. When experiencing pangs of hunger or thirst.10. After the time of Suhoor.11. Before meals.12. Before and after a journey.13. Before and after sleeping.

May Allah (The Exalted) give us the ability to practise this beautiful Sunnah with sincerity, Ameen.

4. The Sunnah’s of Performing Wudhu (Ablution)

1.Great care should be taken in making Wudhu especially in cold and wintry days when one tends to feel lazy(Tirmidhi)

2.Mentioning the name of Allah–

Bismillaahir-Rahmaanir-Raheem

“In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, and the Most Merciful”

It is also Sunnah to recite the following Dua whilst performing Wudhu:

4.Rinsing the nose by one's left hand thrice:This is because it is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam):"washed his hands thrice, then he rinsed his mouth and washed his nose with water by putting water in it and blowing it out, and he washed his face thrice…)(Bukhari, Muslim)

5.Exaggerating in rinsing one's mouth and nose if not fasting by moving water around the mouth and snuffing water to the end of one's nose:

This is because of the hadith:"…and snuff with water well except when you are fasting".(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah and An-Nisaa’i)

6.Rinsing one's mouth and nose with the same handful of water:

This is because of the hadith:"He [the Prophet] put his hand [into the vessel containing water] rinsed his mouth and his nose".(Bukhari and Muslim)

7.Using tooth stick (Miswaak) before rinsing one's mouth:

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)says:"Had I not thought it difficult for my Ummah, I would have commanded them to use the Siwak (tooth-stick) before every Prayer.''(Ahmed, An-Nasai)

8.Running one's wet finger through the beard upon washing the face:

It is mentioned in the hadith that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to run his wet finger through his beard while performing ablution.(Tirmidhi)

9.Wiping over one's head:This is performed as follows:passing one's wet hands over the head from front to back and so forth. As for obligatory wiping over one's head, it is to wipe over one's head in any way. It is narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to pass his hands over his head [in ablution] from the front to the back.(Bukhari, Muslim)

10.Running wet fingers between the fingers and toes:

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"Perform your ablution perfectly and let water run between the fingers [and toes]".

11.Washing the right [limb] before the left:

It is narrated in the hadith that the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)"Used to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair, cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else"(Bukhari, Muslim)

12.Performing the actions thrice when washing the face, hands and foot.

13.Performing ablution in one's house:The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"Whoever purifies in his house and walks to the mosque to perform obligatory prayer, his steps are counted as one expiates a sin and the other raises his rank"(Muslim)

14.Passing one's hand over the limb during or after washing.

15.Using little amount of water:The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to use little amount of water in ablution.(Bukhari and Muslim)

16.Washing above the limits of the four limbs [hands and foot]:

It is narrated that Abu Hurraira (Ra)performed ablution:he washed his arm up to the elbows and his feet up to the ankles and said: this is how the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) performed ablution".(Muslim)

17.In a report by Muslim through 'Uqba ibn ‘Amir:"He will be rewarded by nothing except Paradise".

18.Perfecting one's ablution:washing each part perfectly. Muslims vary in times of performing ablution during the day, and everyone has to observe theseSunnahevery time they perform ablution.

I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner; and I bear witness that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger.(Muslim 1/209)

And then recite this dua:

Allaahummaj ‘alnee minathavaabeena waj’alnee minal mutha-thahhireen

O Allah, include me amongst those who repent excessively and amongst those who purify themselves.(Tirmidhi- Vol. 1, pg 18)

20. Saying the two testifications of faith [Ar.Shahadatan] after finishing ablution. Meaning, to says,"I testify that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is His Messenger".It is narrated that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said," If anyone amongst you performs the ablution perfectly and then says: I testify that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the servant of Allah and His Messenger, the eight gates of Paradise would be opened for him and he may enter by whichever of them he wishes".(Muslim)

21. The Virtue of observing the aboveSunnah:

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,"He who performed ablution perfectly, his sins would come out from his body, even coming out from under his nails."(Muslim)

22. Tahiyyatul Wudhu (Nafl prayer after doing Wudhu):

Performing two rak'ahs (Units of prayer) after ablution.The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said," He who performs ablution like this of mine and then stood up (for prayer) and offered two rak'ahs of prayer without allowing his thoughts to be distracted, all his previous sins are expiated"(Bukhari, Muslim)

23.Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that Allah’s Messenger(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said to Bilaal (Ra)“Tell me about the most hopeful act (i.e. one which you deem the most rewarding with Allah) you have done since your acceptance of Islam because I heard the sound of the steps of your shoes in front of me in paradise.”Bilaalsaid: “I do not consider any act more hopeful than that whenever I make ablution (Wudhu) at any time of night or day, I offer salaah (prayer) for as long as was destined for me to offer.”(Bukhari, Muslim)

It is related in the Hadith that performance of the two Rakaats of Tahiyyatul Wudhu Salah makes paradise obligatory (Wajib) for the performer(ref: Muslim)

There are also many other benefits. Thereforewe should try and pray this Nafl EVERY time after Wudhu is performed as it is a means of great reward and only takes minutes to perform.

5. Sunnah method of performing Ghusl (Bathing)

Before making Ghusl one should make Niyyah (intention) thus: -"I am performing Ghusl so as to become Paak (Clean)."

Without Niyyah, there is no Thawaab (reward) although Ghusl will be valid. Ghusl should be made in a place of total privacy and one should not face towards the Kiblah while making Ghusl. Ghusl may be performed standing or seated, preferably seated. Use sufficient water, don't skimp nor be wasteful. One should abstain from speaking while performing Ghusl. It is better not to read any Kalimah or Aayah while bathing. Be aware of these rules whilst making Ghusl.

Procedures for performing Ghusl are:

1. Wash both hands up to and including wrists.

2. Wash the private parts. The hands and private parts should be washed even if one is not in the state of Janaabat or Najaasat.

3. If there is Najaasat elsewhere on the body, it should now be washed off.

4. Perform Wudhu (Read separate pamphlet for Wudhu according to Sunnah). If making Ghusl on a stool or platform where water will rapidly flow away, and then perform the complete Wudhu. If there is fear of the feet being immersed in wastewater during the Ghusl then postpone the washing of the feet to the end of the Ghusl.

5. Ensure that the mouth and nostrils are thoroughly rinsed thrice.

6. After performing Wudhu, pour water over the head thrice;

7. Then pour thrice over right shoulder and;

8. Thrice again over left shoulder.

9. Now pour water over entire body and rub.

10. If the hair of the head is not plaited, it is compulsory to wet all the hair up to the very base. If a single hair is left dry, Ghusl will not be valid. If the hair of a woman is plaited, she is excused from loosening her plaited hair, but it is compulsory for her to wet the base of each and every hair. If one fails to do this then the Ghusl will not be valid. As for men who grow long hair and plait them, they are NOT excused from leaving their hair dry. If a woman experiences difficulty or is unable to wet the very bottom of her plaited hair, then it is necessary for her to unplaite her hair and wash her entire head.

11. It is Musthahab (preferable) to clean the body by rubbing it.

12. All parts of the body should be rubbed with the hand so as to ensure that water has reached all parts of the body, and that no portion is left dry.

13. Rings and earrings, etc. should be moved so as to ensure that no portion covered by them is left dry. Ensure that the navel and the ears are all wetted. If they are not wet Ghusl will be incomplete.

14. On completion one should confine oneself to a clean place. If, while performing Wudhu, the feet had been washed, it is not necessary to wash them again.

15. Dry the body with a clean towel, and dress as hastily as possible.

If, after Ghusl, one recalls that a certain portion of the body is left dry, it is not necessary to repeat the Ghusl, but merely wash the dry portion. It is not sufficient to pass a wet hand over the dry place. If one has forgotten to rinse the mouth or the nostrils, these too could be rinsed when recalled after Ghusl has been performed.

The Three Faraa'ids (compulsory acts) of Ghusl are:

1.To rinse the mouth in such a manner that water reaches the entire mouth.

2.To rinse the nostrils up to the ending of the fleshy part.

3.To completely wet the whole body. When one performs these Faraa'id intentionally or unintentionally Ghusl will be valid

6. Sunnah of Dressing

1. We should try to be modest in our appearance in our daily lives without dressing in inappropriate clothing and we should be pleasant in appearance, without looking dishevelled or being extravagant and having pride because of what we are wearing.

2. Allah (The Exalted) likes to see his servants wearing good clothing, the way that our beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)wore his clothing.

Ibn 'Umar (Ra)reported the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)as saying,'He who copies any group of people is one of them.'

The intention of the above is that whoever adopts the ways and manners of the unbelievers and evildoers will be a partner in their sins

O Allah, praise is to You. You have clothed me. I ask You for its goodness and the goodness of what it has been made for, and I seek Your protection from the evil of it and the evil of what it has been made for.(Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi)

Or recite:Alhamdu lillaahilladhee kasaanaa haadhaa

“All praise is due to Allah who has given us this to wear.

Also recite the following when wearing new clothes:

"تُبْلِيوَيُخْلِفُاللهُتَعَالَى".

Tublee wa yukhliful-laahu ta'aalaa.

May Allah replace it when it is worn out.(Abu Dawud 4/41)

4.When undressingRecite:Bismillaahi

Translation:In the Name of Allah.(At-Tirmidhi 2/505)

5. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)liked to wear Kurta (Long shirt) the most. The sleeves reached up to his wrists and the collar or neckline of his kurta was towards his chest.(Tirmidhi)

7. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)kurta went up to his ankles, reaching up to mid calf(Hakim)

8. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)clothes consisted of sheet, lungi (loin cloth), kurta (Long shirt) and amaamah (turban). He also had a cloth with which he dried his face after Wudhu.

9. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) liked striped sheets. He used to wear a topi (Fez or hat) below the amaamah and sometimes he only wore a topi. He used to wear the amaamah with a tail and sometimes without. The tail of the amaamah used to fall between his shoulders at his back.

14. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)was very modestly and simple in dress and he had a minimum amount of clothes that he wore.He used to say,“I am only a servant and dress myself like one”.

15. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)advised us to keep in mind those who are poorer than us in the material world and those who are more pious than us in religion(Tirmidhi)

16. He (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) had an expensive outfit which he used to wear for Jummah and the two Eids as well as meeting outside delegations but apart from that he did not care too much about quality or any particular kind of clothing. He mostly wore cotton clothing.

17. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)prohibited the wearing of gold and silk for men but not for women(Tirmidhi)

18. Men should wear their lower garments above the ankles(Tirmidhi)

19. Those who wear their lower garments below their ankles will on the day of judgement have fire on their ankles and will not be looked upon with mercy by Allah(Mishkaat)

Note:This applies at all times whether in Salah or not

20. Whenever Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)lifted his shoes he did so with the fingers of his left hand(Tirmidhi)

21. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)cursed the man who put on woman’s clothing and the woman who wore men’s clothing.”(Abu Dawood)

7. Sunnats regarding Hair, moustache, beard and nails

1. Rasulallah's (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)beard was very long and thick that it filled his chest(Tirmidhi)

2. To trim beard that is beyond one fist length so that it becomes neat and beautiful(Sharah Shamaaile)

3. To keep ones beard one fist length(Tirmidhi)

4. To trim the beard and oil and comb the hair(Muwatta Imam Malik)

5. To trim moustache(Tirmidhi)

Note:The hair of the moustache should not be allowed to reach the lip

6. To pluck hair from the nose and armpits and to remove the pubic hair. It would be sinful if 40 nights were to elapse without doing so.

7. To dye the hair with mehndi leaves (Red colour) or wasma (blue colour) or to simply leave it white(Muwatta Imam Ahmad)

8. Females can colour their nails with mehndi (Red colour)(Abu Dawud)

Note:It is not advisable to use nail varnish or gloss because of the fact that it prevents water from reaching the nail and in order for Ghusl and Wudhu to be accepted the water has to touch the nail.

9. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to clip his nails either on Thursday or Friday. (Tirmidhi)

10. Whilst clipping his finger nails Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)started from his right hand from the index finger, then forefinger, ring finger and then little finger. Then to the left hand he started from the little finger across to the ring finger, forefinger, index finger, thumb and then lastly the thumb of the right hand.

11. When clipping his (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) toe nails he started on the small toe of the right foot and then worked his way across till the small toe on the left foot.

12. When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)intended to put oil in his hair he used to place the oil on his left palm and then with his fingers he would first smear a little oil on his eyebrows and then on the eye lids and lastly he put the oil on his beard. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to first smear some of the oil on his eye lids and then on his beard.

Sunnah's of the Hair

1. The length of the hair of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)reached up to the middle of the ear. According to another narration the hair reached up to the ear and yet, in another narration it is mentioned that it reached up to the earlobes. There are also narrations where it is mentioned that the hair was close to the earlobes.(Tirmidhi)

2.To keep all the hair up to the earlobes or a little lower is Sunnah. Similarly to shave all the hair off is also Sunnah. If a person wishes to trim his hair, then it should be trimmed equally on all sides.

3.To wash the hair, oil it and comb it is Sunnah, but a few days should be skipped inbetween, if there is no necessity.(Mishkaat, Bazlul Majhood, commentary of Abu Dawood)

4.When combing the hair start from the right hand side.(Bukhari pg. 61)

5.When combing one’s hair or whenever the need arises to look into the mirror recite the following Dua:

Allaahumma antha hassantha khalqee fahassin khulqee

O Allah, as You have beautified my external form, so make my character beautiful as well.(Hisnul Haseen)

6.Braided (Plaited) Hair:

Umm Salamah (Ra) narrated:I said:“Messenger of Allah, I am a woman who has closely plaited hair on my head; should I undo it for taking a bath, because of sexual intercourse?”The Prophetsaid:“No, it is enough for you to throw three handfuls of water on your head and then pour water over yourself, and you shall be purified.”(Muslim)

7.Lengthening Hair artificially is forbidden

'A’isha (Ra)narrated:An Ansari woman gave her daughter in marriage and the hair of the latter started falling out. The Ansari women came to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)and mentioned that to him and said:"Her (my daughter's) husband suggested that I should let her wear false hair."The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said, "No, (don't do that) for Allah sends His curses upon such ladies who lengthen their hair artificially." (Bukhari7:133 alsosee7:818)

8. Dying hair:

'Ubaid Ibn Juraij (Ra)narrated:...And about the dyeing of hair with Henna; no doubt I saw Allah's Apostle dyeing his hair with it and that is why I like to dye (my hair with it)...(Muslim)

9. Not to pluck grey hair

Abdullah Ibn Amr Ibn al-'As (Ra) narrated that the Apostle of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:Do not pluck out grey hair. If any believer grows a grey hair in Islam, he will have light on the Day of Resurrection.(This is Sufyan's version).

Yahya's version says:Allah will record on his behalf a good deed for it, and will blot out a sin for it.(Abu Dawud)

Hadhrat Abu Dharr (Ra)narrated that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:The best things with which grey hair are changed are henna and katam.(Abu Dawud)

Note:One should not dye the hair black

10. Combinghair:

Hadhrat ‘A’isha (Ra)narrated that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to like to start from the right side on wearing shoes, combing his hair and cleaning or washing himself and on doing anything else.(Bukhari,see also Bukhari 7:745)

Hadhrat 'A’isha (Ra)narratedthat while in menses, I used to comb the hair of Allah's Apostle.(Bukhari 1:294,see also Bukhari 1:295, 3:362)

Hadhrat Abdullah Ibn Umar (As)narrated thatAllah's Apostle(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved."The people said:"O Allah's Apostle! And (invoke Allah for) those who get their hair cut short."

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"O Allah! Be merciful to those who have their head shaved."

The people said:"O Allah's Apostle! And those who get their hair cut short."

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said (the third time):"And to those who get their hair cut short."

Nafi' said that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)had said once or twice:"O Allah! Be merciful to those who get their head shaved,"and on the fourth time he added:"And to those who have their hair cut short."(Bukhari 2:785)

12. Grooming:

Yahya related to me from Malik from Zayd ibn Aslam that Ata ibn Yasar told him that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)was in the mosque when a man came in with dishevelled hair and beard. The Messenger of Allahmotioned with his hand that he should be sent out to groom his hair and beard. The man did so and then returned. The Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,"Isn't this better than that one of you should come with his head dishevelled, as if he were a Shaytaan?"(Muwatta 51.7)

8. Prescribed Times for the Five Daily Salaah

Hadhrat Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrates: "When the length of your shadow (from the sun) is equal to your height then perform the Zuhr salaah. When the length of your shadow becomes twice your height, perform the Asr salaah. Perform the Maghrib salaah when the sun has set. Perform the Isha salaah before one-third (1/3) of the night passes. And perform the Fajr salaah while it is still dark."(Muwatta Imam Malik vol.1, pg.8, Hadith 9)

Time for Zuhr Salaah

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) has said:"When the heat becomes very intense (after mid-day), then delay the Zuhr salaah until it cools down, for verily the intensity of the heat is from the effects ofJahannam".(Sahih Muslim, Hadith 615)

Time for Asr

It was the noble habit of Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) that he used to delay the performance of Asr so long as the sun remained white and clear. (Abu Dawud; Waqtul Asr)

Time for Fajr

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) is reported to have said: "Perform the Fajr salaah when the sky brightens at the time of dawn (i.e. before sunrise) since this is a means of earning greater reward.(Tirmidhi, Hadith 154)

Imam Tirmidhi (Ra) explains that the majority of the Sahaaba (radhiyallahu Anhum) used to perform Fajr salaah at this time (i.e. when the sky had brightened up).

It is written in Fataawa Thunaaiyyavol. 1, pg. 525, and in the Fatawa of the Ahle Hadith Scholars (vol. 4 pg.291) that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) always used to keep his blessed head covered during salaah. In the same books it is also mentioned that to intentionally remove the headgear (hat) and perform Salaah bare-headed is contrary to the Sunnah. (Vol. 1, pg.523)

9. Praying Fajr Salah

1. Importance of the 2 rak’ahs Sunnah before Fard

`A’isha (Ra)relates that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,“The two rakaats of (the Sunnah of) Fajr are better than the world and all it contains.”(Muslim 725)

It is Sunnah to recite Surah Kaafirun in the first Rakaats and Surah Ikhlaas in the second rakaats of the Sunnah prayer.(Muslim)

2. Lying down for a short while after Sunnah of Fajr

`A’isha (Ra)reported:When the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)had performed two Rak’ahs before the Fajr prayer, he would lie down on his right side.(Al-Bukhari)

3. Recite after Fajr Prayer

Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:

اللَّهُمَّأَجِرْنِيمِنَالنَّارِ

Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar

"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."

If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam.(Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)

Doing Ibadah (worship) After Fajr Salah until after Sunrise

1.Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to sit cross legged in the Masjid from after Fajr up to Ishraaq (Sunrise). He would sit cross legged in the company of the Sahaaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum) as well.(Khasaail-Commentary of Shamaail- pg. 76)

2.In a narration of Tirmidhi, Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said,'He who performs Fajr Salaat with Jamaat and remains seated in the same place while engaging in Dhikr until after sunrise and thereafter performs 2 Rakaats Nafil Salaat, (Ishraaq), he will obtain the Thawaab of one Hajj and one Umrah.'(Tirmidhi)

3. The fire of Jahannam will not touch the person who reads 4 rak’ahs of SalaatIshraaq(Baihaqi)

4.Read Surah Yaasin after Fajr:

The Hadith mentioned by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah (Ra)states that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whosoever recites Surah Yaasin in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled.”(Mishkaat, Page 189)

It is stated in Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat under the commentary of the above Hadith that ones worldly needs and the needs pertaining to the Deen and the Hereafter will be fulfilled.(Mirqaat, Sharah Mishkaat, Vol. 4, Page 681)

O Allah, I seek refuge in You lest I misguide others , or I am misguided by others , lest I cause others to err or I am caused to err , lest I abuse others or be abused, and lest I behave foolishly or meet with the foolishness of others.(Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, An-Nisaa’i, At-Tirmidhi)

2. Whilst going to the Masjid:proceed calmly with dignity and do not be hasty.(Ibn Majah)

3. When returning home from Masjid or elsewhere:say salaam to the occupants of the house and recite the following du'aa:

In the Name of Allah we enter, in the Name of Allah we leave, and upon our Lord we depend[then say Asalaamu 'Alaikum to those present].

(Abu Dawud 4/325. Muslim {Hadith no. 2018)says that one should mention the Name of Allah when entering the home and when beginning to eat; and that the devil, hearing this, says: "There is no shelter for us here tonight and no food."

4. Greeting the family or occupants of the home when entering or leaving the house is a means of great reward. The person who enters the home with salaam is under the protection of Allah(Abu Dawud)and when one enters and does not remember Allah (By saying salaam) then Shaythaan invites his followers to the home saying“you have accommodation for the night””by saying salaam to the family that person and their family receives blessings(Abu Dawood)Even if no one is at home by saying salaam the angels greet one back.

There is no deity exceptAllah, the Only One.Hehas no partner. ToHimbelongs all kingdom and toHimbelongs all praise.Heis the One who gives life and death. AndHeis Ever-living and no death comes toHim. InHisHand lies all good andHehas power over everything.

It is reported in a Hadiththat for reciting these words, Almighty Allahwill record one million good deeds, forgive one million sins, elevate the status a million times and build a house for him in Jannah.(Mishkaat)

11. Sunnah’s of the Masjid

1.Virtues of walking to the Masjid when Wudhu is done at home

Abu Hurraira (Ra)reported that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,"Anyone who purifies himself in his house and then goes to one of the houses of Allah to fulfil one of the obligations of Allah, one step removes an error and the other raises him a degree."(Muslim)

2.Virtues of praying all Fard prayers in the Masjid

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said that:the person who, from morning to evening, goes towards the Masjid to perform salaat, every time he goes to the Masjid, Allah Ta'ala prepares the Paradise for his welcome.(Mishkaat)

When entering the Masjid

3. Small steps should be taken to the Masjid as every step towards the Masjid is reward(Attargheeb)

4. The left shoe should be removed first. But the Masjid should be entered withthe right foot.(Attargheeb)

5. Enter Masjid with the right foot.(BukhariChapter on Salah pg.61)

6. To recite:Bismillah(Ibn Majah pg. 56)

7. To recite durood upon entering(Ibn Majah, Faydhul Qadeer)

8.To recite:

Allaahummnaftah lee abwaaba rahmatik

OhAllah! Open the Doors of Your Mercy for me.(Ibn Majah)

9. To make intention for Nafl I'tikaaf so when gets rewarded for the duration of ones stay in the Masjid however long or short it is.(Shami-Vol.2, pg. 442)

10.Tahiyyatul Masjid (Nafl prayer when entering the Masjid)

Abu Qataadah (Ra)narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“If any one of you enters a mosque, he should pray two rakaats before sitting.”(Bukhari and Muslim)

This is a 2 Rak’ahs Nafl prayer which one should perform every time one enters the Masjid. It is very rewarding and takes a matter of minutes.

The Aadaab (Etiquettes of the Masjid)

Whenever one enters theMasjid, one should remain conscious of these etiquettes:

1. It is preferable that one performs two rak’ahTahiyyatul Masjidupon entry into the Masjid as long as it is not Mukruh time.

2. Note:It isMukruh Tahreemito perform Nafl Salaat between Sub'h saadiq (dawn) and 15-20 minutes after sunrise. Therefore, one should not performTahiyyatul-ul -WudhuandTahiyyatul Masjidat this time too.However performance of Qadhaa Salaat,Sajdah TilaawatandJanaazah Salaatis permissible.One should take notethat every form of Salaat is impermissible at sunrise, mid-day (zawaal) and sunset andit is haraam to perform Sajdah(at these three times). There is no harm in engaging ones self in Dhikr and Tilaawat.

3. It is more virtuous to sit in the first row. However, if place is not available, one should sit wherever he finds place. It is not permissible to leap over the shoulders of people in order to advance forward.

4. Do not make noise or disturbance in the Masjid.

5.Do not enter the Masjid after consuming anything which gives out offensive smell, e.g.tobacco, raw onions and garlic, radish, etc.

6. Do not indulge in worldly talk. Do not engage in any activities which disturb those engaged in Salaat or Dhikr.

7.Do not engagein buying and selling of any kind in the Masjid.

8.Do not distract those who are already busy in Tilaawat and Dhikr by greeting them.However, if someone not occupied in Zikr, etc, turns to you on his own accord, then there is no harm in greeting him.

9.If one desires to perform Sunnah’s orNawaafilthen one should perform them in a place where there is no likelihood of anyone passing in front him whilst in Salaat. Some people begin their Salaat in the back rows, when there are places vacant in the front rows in front of them, due to which people find it difficult to pass. It is not proper to cause inconvenience and harm to others. If someone is compelled to walk across such people performing Salaat, the sin of this walking will be upon the one performing Salaat.

10. When Jamaa’at begins, the first rows should be completed first, with both the right and left hand sides balanced equally. It is improper to stand in a back row, if space is vacant in front.

11. Engage in Dhikr and Tilaawat silently, if people are performing Salaat.

12.Neither spit nor stretch your legs towards the Qiblah.

13. Neither search nor make announcements for items lost outside, in the Masjid.

Prayer with Congregation

1. Always try to say your prayers with congregation (for men), for women it is optional but more rewarding to pray at home.

2. There is 27 times more benefit to say prayers with congregation.

3. The first pronounced Name ofAllah(takbeer-e-oolaa) for the prayers is better than the world and whatever is in it.(Mishkaat)

4. When the people begin to stand then, before takbeer, first straighten the rows. Thereafter takbeer should be said.

5. It has been reported in Tirmidhi that 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu had appointed a person for straightening the lines. When that person would inform that all the lines are straight, then 'Umar radhiyallahu anhu would say takbeer.

6. Keep the lines perfectly straight and stand joined together. Do not leave space between each the other. The shoulders be joined together and the ankles perfectly opposite to each other.(Sihaah sittah)It is not necessary to join the ankles.

7. Offer every prayer in such a manner as if it were the last prayer of your life.

8. Do not run if the prayer has been started lest you should gasp. But walk steadily and with grace.(Tirmidhi)

The Sunnah of coming out of the Masjid

1. To leave the Masjid with the left foot.(Bukhari-Chapter on Salah pg.61)

In the Name of Allah, and peace and blessings be upon the Messenger of Allah. O Allah, I ask for Your favour, O Allah, protect me from Satan the outcast.(ibid)

12. Sunnah’s of Adhaan and Iqaamah

1. When one hears the Muazzin (The caller to prayer) calling out Azaan then it is Musthahab (Preferable) to repeat the same words after the Muazzin. In reply to“Hayya alas salaah”and“Hayya alal Falaah”one should say:

La Hawla walaa Quwatha illah billah hilaliyyil Azeem

There is no protection (Against evil) and no power (To do good) except with the help of Allah the Mighty and Great.(Bukhari, Muslim)

2. At the time of Fajr in reply to“Assalaatu Khairum minanawm”one should say:

Sadaqtha wa barartha

“You have said the truth you have said what is good”(Al Adhkaar lin Nawawiy)

The person who replies to the Azaan with full sincerity will surely enter paradise.

I bear witness that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, Who has no partner, and that Muhammad is His slave and His Messenger. I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Muhammad as my Messenger and with Islam as my religion.1 [To be recited in Arabic after the Mu'aththin’s Tashahhud or the words of affirmation of Faith](Muslim 1/290.)

4.After Hearing the Call to Prayer (Adhaan)

First send blessings and salutations (Salawat) upon the Messenger of Allah(Muslim Vol.1 pg.166)

O Allah, Lord of this perfect call and established prayer, grant Muhammad a place near to You, an excellence and exalted degree, and raise him to the praiseworthy station that You have promised him.(Al-Bukhari 1/152 and the addition between brackets is from Al-Bayhaqi 1/410 with a good (Hasan) chain of narration).

6. Whoever recites this dua will gain the intercession of the Messenger of Allahon the Day of Judgement.(Bukhari)

7. By reciting this dua, the intercession of Prophet Mohammadbecomes Waajib.(Mishkaat)

Note:Between the call to prayer and the 'Iqaamah, you should supplicate Allah for yourself. Invocation during this time is not rejected.

Replying to Iqaamah

8. It is Musthahab to reply to the Iqaamah by repeating the same words similar to that of the Adhaan however in reply to“Qad qaamatis salaah”one should say:

AqaamahallahuWaadaamaha

“May Allah establish and perpetuate this Salah”(Abu Dawood)

9. When reading Fard Salaat at home it is preferable to say Iqaamah even if you’re praying on your own.

10. Dua’s are readily accepted between Azaan and Iqaamah so this precious time should be spent in dua and Dhikr.

13. Sunnah’s after the completion of Salaah

1. After the completion of Fard Salaah to read“Allaahu Akbar”once followed byأستغفرالله“Asthaghfirullah”three times with the last Asthaghfirullah read a bit audibly and also dragged (pulled) slightly.(Tirmidhi)

2. After the Fard of Fajr and Asr to engage in the remembrance of Allah for a short period.(Attargheeb)

3. The Malaaikah (Angels) continuously make dua’s of forgiveness and mercy for those who after their daily Salaah remain seated at the place of Salaah.(Attargheeb)

4.It has been reported from A’isha (Ra)that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to sit as long at it takes to say:

None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise, and He is Able to do all things. O Allah, there is none who can withhold what You give, and none may give what You have withheld; and the might of the mighty person cannot benefit him against You.(Al-Bukhari 1/255, Muslim 1/414)

6. It is also recommended to recite33 timesSubhaanallah,33 timesAlhamdulillah, 33 timesAllaahu Akbarand the following once:

“There is no deity exceptAllah, the Only One.Hehas no partner. ToHimbelongs all kingdom and toHimbelongs all praise.Heis the One who gives life and death. AndHeis Ever-living and no death comes toHim. InHisHand lies all good andHehas power over everything.”

It is mentioned in a hadith that whoever recites the above after every salaah his sins will be forgiven if they are as much as the foam of the ocean.(Muslim)

7. Whoever recites the following after every prayer will be forgiven his sins even though they be as the foam of the sea:

“Glory is to Allah , and praise is to Allah , and Allah is the Most Great (each said thirty-three times). None has the right to be worshipped but Allah alone, He has no partner, His is the dominion and His is the praise and He is Able to do all things.”(Muslim 1/418)

8. It is also recommended to recite Sura al-Ikhlaas (112), Sura al-Falaq (113) and al-Naas (114)(reported by al-Tirmidhi)and Ayat al-Kursi.(Reported by Al-Nasai)

Allah! There is none worthy of worship but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never compass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.(Recite in Arabic after each prayer.)(An-Nisaa’i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah (Hadith no. 100))

O Allah, I ask You for knowledge that is of benefit, a good provision, and deeds that will be accepted.(Ibn Majah and others)

11.To recite after Fajr and Maghrib prayers:Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:

اللَّهُمَّأَجِرْنِيمِنَالنَّارِ

Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar

"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."

If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam.(Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)

12.‘Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr (Ra)who said:“The Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:‘There are two qualities, no Muslim man acquires them but he will enter Paradise, and they are simple and easy. He should glorify Allah(say Subhaanallah)ten times immediately after each prayer, and praise Him(say Alhamdulillah)ten times and magnify Him(say Allaahu Akbar)ten times.’I saw Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)counting this on his fingers.He said:‘that makes one hundred and fifty on the tongue and one thousand five hundred (hasanaat) in the scales…(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332)

Note:Each of three phrases repeated ten times makes thirty; multiplied by the number of daily prayers, which is five, makes one hundred and fifty.Each of these good deeds of the tongue will be rewarded with ten hasanaat which will be added to the total of good deeds to be weighed in the balance or scales on the Day of Judgment]There are also many other Dhikr’s and invocations that may be recited. It is best to do that which one can do consistently, because, as the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)told us,“The most beloved of actions to Allah are those its performer is constant on, even if little.”This is because such actions transform a person’s life.

The time after the five daily salaah is also a time when dua’s are accepted. Hence this opportunity to seek from Allah should be realized.

14. The following are some prescribed Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah) taken from the “Fortress of a Muslim” as mentioned in hadith. They should be read at least in the morning or evening:

1. Recite Surah Fatiha once along with Ayat ul Kursi once and the following verses once:

O Allah! You are my lord; there is none worthy worship but You. You created me and I am your slave. I keep my covenant and my pledge to you as far as I am able. I seek refuge in You from the evil of what I have done. I admit to Your blessings upon me, and I admit to my misdeeds. Forgive me, for there is none who may forgive sins but You.Whoever recites this with conviction in the evening or morning and dies during that night or day shall enter Paradise.(Bukhari, 150/7)

O Allah, I have entered a new morning/evening and call upon you and upon the bearers of Your throne, Upon your angels and all creation to bear witness that surely You are Allah, there is none worthy worship but You alone, You have no partners, and that Muhammadis your slave and Your Messenger.

Allah will spare whoever will say this FOUR times in the mornings or evenings from the Hell-fire.(Abu Dawud, 317/4)

I am pleased with Allah as my Lord, with Islam as my religion and with Muhammadas my prophetWhoever recites it three times in the morning or evening will be pleased on the Day of Judgement.Another version says:Jannah becomes obligatory for him to enter(Abu Dawud)

Our Lord! Condemn us not if we forget, or miss the mark! Our Lord! Lay not on us such a burden as thou didst lay on those before us! Our Lord! Impose not on us that which we have not the strength to bear! Pardon us, absolve us and have mercy on us, Thou, our Protector, and give us victory over the disbelieving folk(The Holy Qur’an – Surat al Baqarah – Verse 286)

15. Virtues of praying Salaatul Dhuha (Sunrise prayer)

1. The beloved Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said:Those who perform the Fajr prayer in congregation (Jamaa’at), read the Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) till the sun has completely arisen (length of a spear from the horizon, after 20 minutes of sunrise) and read 2 Rak’ahs Nafil prayer will have the benedictions (sawaab) equal to those of Hajj-Umrah. It is recommended to read the Surah Fatiha and Ayat-ul-Kursi till Khaalidoon, in the first Rakaats, and in the second Rakaat to read, after Surah Fatiha, Aamanar Rasul till the end of Suratul Baqarah. In the case that this verse cannot be read from memory, one can recite any other verse and then ask Dua’s. Woman should read all prayers of Fard and Nafil at home and will derive the same benefits (Sawaab) that accrue from prayer performed at the Masjid.(Tirmidhi)2. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said that Allah Ta'ala says,'O son of Adam, perform 4 Rakaats of Salah in the early part of the day. I shall help you in accomplishing all your responsibilities during the rest of the day.'(Mishkaat pg.116)3. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said,'Whoever offers 2 Rakaats of Salaat al-Dhuha, all his sins will be forgiven even though they are as much as the foam of the sea.'(Ibid)4. 'Salaat al-Dhuhaa consists of 2 - 12 Rakaats and it is preferable to perform 8 Rakaats.'(Raddul Mukhtaar vol.1 pg.505)5. The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said that:whoever prayed twelve rakaats at the time of Chasht (Breakfast), and then Allah will, as a reward, prepare a palace of gold for him in Paradise.(Mishkaat, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)6. The best time to pray Salaatul Dhuha isearly on when the sun has risen to a spear’s length for one will gain extra rewards, by praying it earlier rather than later on closer to midday. However by offering it later on, one will still be considered to have offered the Dhuha prayeras it is valid until midday (Zawaal).7.It is very rewarding to stay on ones position after Fajr Salah engaged in the recitation of Qur’an as well as Dhikr until 15 to 20 minutes after sunrise and then pray this hugely rewarding Nawaafil prayer. We should certainly get into the habit of praying all Nawaafil’s as it is a means of getting closer to Allah

8. After this prayer is done one can either have a short nap to regain more energy or go to work and earn ones livelihood.16. The BreakfastIf one is not fasting then one can make arrangements to have breakfast to energise one for the day ahead.
Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to have honey water for breakfast. He is also reported to have had“Nabize Tamar”in some narrations. Nabize Tamar is dried dates which have been cut into pieces and soaked in a clay container overnight.(Tirmidhi)

17. The Virtues of Jummah prayer

Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abu Taalib (Ra)narrated:on the pulpit in the mosque of Kufah: When Friday comes, the devils go to the markets with their flags, and involve people in their needs and prevent them from the Friday prayer. The angels come early in the morning, sit at the door of the mosque, and record that so-and-so came at the first hour, and so-and-so came at the second hour until the imam comes out (for preaching). When a man sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), where he remains silent and does not interrupt, he will receive a double reward. If he stays away, sits in a place where he cannot listen (to the sermon), silent, and does not interrupt, he will receive the reward only once. If he sits in a place where he can listen (to the sermon) and look (at the imam), and he does not remain silent, he will have the burden of it. If anyone says to his companion sitting besides him to be silent (while the imam is preaching), he is guilty of idle talk. Anyone who interrupts (during the sermon) will receive nothing (no reward) on that Friday. Then he (the narrator) says in the end of this tradition: I heard the Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) say so.(Abu Dawood 1046)1. Jummah preparations should begin on Thursday such as clipping the nails, removing of the hair etc(Ihya aul-Uloom, vol. 1, page 161)

2. To have a bath (Ghusl)(Bukhari, Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

On one Friday, Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"O Muslims! Allah Ta'ala has made this day a day ofEid. So have a bath on this day, whoever has perfume should apply it, and use theMiswaak.“(Ibn Majah)

3. To use Miswaak(Ibid)4. To use Attar (Perfume)(Ibid)5. To wear nice clothes(Abu Dawood, Chapter of Ghusl on the day of Jummah)

6.To proceed early as possible to the Masjid for JummahRasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"On the day of Jummah, the angels stand at the entrance of that Masjid in which Jummah salaat is to be offered. They write down the name of the person who enters the Masjid first, and thereafter the name of the person who follows, and they continue doing this. The person who entered first will receive the reward of sacrificing a camel in the path of Allah; the one who followed him will get the reward of sacrificing a cow, thereafter a chicken, thereafter the reward of giving an egg as charity in the path of Allah. Once thekhutbahcommences, the angels close the register and begin listening to thekhutbah. “(Bukhari and Muslim)7.To walk to the Masjid if possible for every step is a reward of a years Nafl Fast(Tirmidhi)8.One should listen very attentively to the khutba even if one does not understand. One should not speak or even warn another to keep quite while the khutba is in progress.9. To try to sit as close as possible to the Imaam.(Ibn Majah, Tirmidhi)

10. If the Saffs (rows) are already filled, one should not jump over the shoulders of the musallies in order to get to the front. (Abu Dawood)

11. One should not fiddle with clothes or fingers but listen attentively(Ibn Majah)12.When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) name is mentioned in the khutba then it is permissible to recite durood in the heart only without the movement of the lips or tongue.13.Between the two khutba’s one should make dua. It is permissible to make dua without raising hands or moving the lips (I.e. dua should be made in the heart only without the movement of the lips or the tongue)(Aadaab -E - Zindagee)14.To read:Surah Al A’ala(Sura no 87)in the first rakaat of Jummah Salah and Surah Gaathia(Surah no 88)in the second rakaat.(Bukhari)15.Related by Hakim and Bayhaqi, from Abu Sa`id (Ra)“Whoever recites Surat al-Kahf on Friday, light shall shine forth for him between the two Fridays.”(Ibn Hajar, Talkhis al-Habir)16.Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)is reported to have said,“Recite Durood upon me in abundance on the day of Jummah since they are presented to me.”(Ibn Majah)

17.Making abundant dua on JummahRasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:"There is such an hour on Friday that if any Muslim makesduain it, hisduawill definitely be accepted.”(Bukhari, Muslim)18.Reward of 80 years Nafil worship and minor sins forgivenAccording to a Hadith recorded in Tabarani on the authority of Abdullah Ibn Abbas (Ra) :

Abu Hurraira (Ra) reports that the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whoever recites the following Durood eighty times immediately after Asr Salaat on Friday, before standing up from his place, Allah will forgive eighty years of sins and grant him the reward equivalent to eighty years of worship.”

Allahumma salli alaa muhammadinin nabiyyil ummiyyi wa-ala aalihi wasallim tasleemaO Allah bless Muhammad, the unlettered Prophet, and his family and grant them best of peace.(Jame Sagheer)19.Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:The five daily prayers, and from one Jummah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.(Muslim, 233)20.It was narrated from Abu Hurraira (Ra) that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:Whoever does Ghusl then comes to Jummah, and prays as much as Allah decrees for him, then listens attentively until the khutbah is over, then prays with him (the imam), will be forgiven for (his sins) between that and the next Jummah and three more days.(Muslim, 857)Al-Nawawi said:The scholars said that what is meant by his being forgiven between the two Jummah and three more days is that a good deed is worth ten like it, so he will be rewarded with ten rewards for each of the good deeds that he did on Friday. Some of our companions said: what is meant by what is between the two Jummah is from Jummah prayer and the khutbah until the same time on the following Friday, so that it will be seven days, no more and no less, then three days are added making ten in all.21.Coming early to Jummah brings a great reward.Abu Hurraira (Ra) narrated that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whoever does Ghusl on Friday like Ghusl for janaabah, then goes to the prayer (in the first hour, i.e., early), it is as if he sacrificed a camel. Whoever goes in the second hour, it is as if he sacrificed a cow; whoever goes in the third hour, it is as if he sacrificed a horned ram; whoever goes in the fourth hour, it is as if he sacrificed a hen; and whoever goes in the fifth hour it is as if he offered an egg. When the imam comes out, the angels come to listen to the khutbah.”(Bukhari, 814 and Muslim, 850)22. If a person walks to Jummah prayer, for every step he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.It was narrated from Aws ibn Aws al-Thaqafi that the Messenger of Allahsaid:Whoever does Ghusl on Friday and causes (his wife) to do Ghusl, and sets out early, and comes close to the imam and listens and keeps quiet, for every step he takes he will have the reward of fasting and praying qiyaam for one year.”(al-Tirmidhi, 496)

Ibn al-Qayyim said in Zaad al-Maâ’aad, 1/285:Finally after quoting the hadith which speak of the virtues of Jummah prayer:What we have quoted, when taken all together, indicates that the expiation of sins from one Friday to the next is subject to all the conditions mentioned above being met, namely doing Ghusl, cleaning oneself, putting on perfume, wearing one's best clothes, walking in a calm and dignified manner, not stepping over people, not pushing between two people, not offending others, praying nafil prayers, listening attentively and avoiding idle speech.

18. The Virtues of the Qur’an

1.Virtues of reciting the Qur’an

"Verily he who has nothing of the Qur'an in his heart, is like a house (which has been) destroyed."(At-Tirmidhi)

"Read the Qur'an for verily it will come forth on the Day of Resurrection as an intercessor for its readers."(Muslim)

Tameem ad-Daaree (RA)reported that the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whoever recites (in prayer) with a hundred verses in a night, it will be written for him as devout obedience to Allah for the night.”

2. Reward for reciting each letter of Holy Qur’an.

It was narrated that ‘Abd-Allah Ibn Mas’ood (RA)said: The Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:

“Whoever reads a letter of the Book of Allah will be credited with a good deed, and a good deed gets a tenfold reward. I do not say thatAlif-Laam-Meemis a letter, rather alif is a letter,laamis a letter andmeemis a letter.”(Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2910)

3. Surah Fatiha The Mother of the Qur’an and a cure for every disease

Abu Suleiman says that once a group of Companions were in an expedition (ghazwa) when they happened to come across an epileptic person, who was unconscious. One of the Companions recited Surah Al-Fatiha and blew in his ear. The epileptic person immediately cured. When Sayyidana Muhammadwas informed of this,he said:“It (Surah Al-Fathiha) is “The Mother of the Qur’an”(Umm al-Qur’an) and is a cure for every disease.”

[This narration has been recorded by Ath-Thua’lbifrom Abu Sulaiman, who narrated it from Mu’awiya bin Saleh, Tafseer Mazhari 1:31]

4. Surah Yaasin

The Hadith mentioned by ‘Ataa bin Abi Rabaah (RA)states that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whosoever recites Surah Yaasin in the early part of the day his needs will be fulfilled.”(Mishkaat, Page 189)

Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said:"Everything has a heart; the heart of the Qur'an is Surah Yaasin. Whoever reads Surah Yaasin (once), Allah Ta’ala records for him a reward equal to that of reading the whole Qur'an ten times."(Tirmidhi, Darami)

5.Surah Mulk which protects one from the Torment of the Grave

It was narrated that Abdullah Ibn Mas’ud (RA)said:Whoever reads “Tabarakalladhi Biyadihil Mulk” [i.e. Surah al-Mulk]every night, Allah will protect him from the torment of the grave. At the time of the Messenger of Allah (Peace be upon him) we used to call it al-mani’ah (that which protects). In the Book of Allah it is a surah which, whoever recites it every night has done very well.(An-Nasai)

6. Surah Zilzilah worth half of the Qur’an

Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas (RA) and Annas Ibn Malik (RA) reported that the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said,‘Whoever recitedSurah Zilzilah (99)would get the reward of recitinghalf the Qur’an.Whoever recitedSurah al Kaafirun (109)would get a reward as if reading aquarter of the Qur’an. Whoever recitedSurah al Ikhlaas (112)would get a reward as if readingone third of the Qur’an’.(At-Tirmidhi 2818/A)

7. Surah Ikhlaas worth a third of the Qur’an

Abu Sa’id al-Khudri (RA) reported that the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said to his Companions,“Are any of you unable to recite a third of the Qur’an in a night?”That was difficult for them and they said,“Which of us is able to do that, Messenger of Allah?”He said,“[The Surah]‘Say: He is Allah, Absolute Oneness, Allah, the Everlasting Sustainer of all’ (112) constitutes a third of the Qur’an.’”(Sahih al-Bukhari 6:61 #534, Riyad as-Saalihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1010)

Annas (RA)reported the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)as saying,“If anyone recites two hundred times daily, Qul huwallahu ahad the sins of fifty years will be wiped out, unless he is in debt.”(At-Tirmidhi and Daraami).

The latter version has‘fifty times’and he did not mention‘unless he is in debt’

9.Surah al Falaq and An Naas protection from Jinn and evil eye

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to seek refuge from the jinn as well as from the evil eye until Surah al Falaq and An Naas were revealed. When they were sent down, he utilised them and left other things.(At-Tirmidhi #1984, Riyad as-Salihin by Imam an-Nawawi Ch.183 #1014)

10. The Qur’an will intercede for the one who recites it much with sincerity

"The Qur'an is an intercessor (which by Allah's permission) intercedes, and an opponent (which is) truthful. He who appoints it as his leader, (then it) will lead him to Paradise. And he who puts it behind him, (then it) will lead him to the Fire."(Ibn Hibban, Al-Baihaqi, At-Tabarani, Sahih)

19. Sunnah’s of travel

1. To read 4 rakats of Nafl prayer before setting out on a journey(Majmauz-Zawaid)

2. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)preferred to commence a journey on a Thursday.(Bukhari)3. It is preferable to set out on a journey early in the morning(Tirmidhi)4. It is forbidden to set out on a journey after the Jummah Azaan and before Jummah Salah.(Tirmidhi)5. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)refrained from setting out on a journey alone. He preferred a group of three and he stated that four companions setting out on a journey together was preferable.(Abu Dawud)6. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)stated that if more than three people were travelling then one should be appointed as leader (Ameer)(Abu Dawud)7. The leader of the group is the one who serves the group.(Baihaqi)8. Before setting out on a journey one should meet one’s friends and relatives and make dua for them in the following words:أَسْتَوْدِعُاللَّهَدِينَكَوَأَمَانَتَكَوَخَوَاتِيمَعَمَلِكَAsthawdi ‘ullaaha deenaka wa aamanthaka wa khawaa theema amalika"(I make) Allah responsible for your deen, your trustworthiness and for the results of your actions".(Tirmidhi)

Also recite the following dua:أَسْتَوْدِعِكُمُاللَّهَالَّذِيلَاتَضِيعُوَدَائِعُهُ

"May Allah make piety part of your journey, forgive your sins and fulfil the purpose of the journey".(Tirmidhi)

10.Dua at the time of his departure:

اللَّهُمَّإِطْوِلَهُالْبُعْدَوَهَوِّنْعَلَيْهِالسَّفَرَ

Allaahumma ithvi lahul b’uda wa hawwan ‘alaihissafar

"O Allah let his journey be covered quickly and most easily".(Tirmidhi)

11.Dua by the traveller for the person wishing him farewell

أَسْتَوْدِعِكُمُاللَّهَالَّذِيلَاتَضِيعُوَدَائِعُهُ

Asthaw di ‘ikumullaahalladhee laa thadee ‘u wadaa ee ‘uhh

"I leave your responsibility to Allah (leave you in his hands) in whose protection nothing can be lost (destroyed, damaged) when He protects".(Hisnul Hasin)

12.When leaving home on the commencement of a journey one should read the following dua:"بِسْمِاللهِ،تَوَكَّلْتُعَلَىاللهِ،وَلَاحَوْلَوَلَاقُوَّةَإِلَّابِاللهِ".Bismillaahi thawakkalthu alallahi wala hawla wala quwatha illah billah“In the name of Allah, I trust in Allah, there is no power and might except from Allah”.(Mishkaat)Also read the following dua:Allaahumma antha rafeeqee fee safaree wa khaleefathee fee a’hlee wamaa lee“O Allah You are my companion in my journey and after me my guardian of my family and wealth”13.When one boards any vehicle, he should read:“Bismillah”:-In the name of Allah14.When seated one should read: -“Alhamdulillah”:-All praise be to Allah

Thereafter one should read the following dua:Subhaanalladhee sakharalana haadhaa wamaa kunnaa lahu muqrineen wa innaa ilaa rabinaa lamun qaliboonPurity belongs to Allah, who has subjected this conveyance for us and we were not capable of controlling it and surely to our sustainer we are to return”(Mishkaat)

Then one should say the following three times:Alhamdulillah:- All praise be to AllahالْحَمْدُلِلَّهِAllaahu Akbar: - Allah is the greatestاللَّهُأَكْبَرُLaa ilaaha ilallah: - There is no worthy of worship except Allah

15. When one ascends or attempts to reach any height then one should say:“Allaahu Akbar”:- Allah is the greatest. When descending from any height then one should say:“Subhaanallah”:-Purity belongs to Allah. When one slips or experiences an accident they should say:“Laa ilaaha ilallaahu wallaahu akbar”:- There is no worthy of worship except Allah he is the greatest.(Hisnul Hasin)Jabir (RA), said:Whenever we went up a hill we would sayAllaahu 'Akbar(Allah is the Most Great) and when we descended we would saySubhaanallah(Glory is to Allah).(Al-Bukhari)16.When travelling on a ship or boat, canoe or other floating object then one should read:بِسْمِاللَّهِمَجْرَاهَاوَمُرْسَاهَاإِنَّرَبِّيلَغَفُورٌرَّحِيمٌ .Bismillaahi mujreehaa wamursaahaa inna rabbee laghafooruraheem“In the name of Allah is it sailing and anchoring. Surely my Rabb is most forgiving and most merciful”Inshallah by reading this dua one is safe from the sinking of the boat, ship, canoe etc(Hisnul Hasin)17.Prophet Mohammad(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)told Jabir bin Mutim (RA) to recite the following 5 Sura’s when on journey:

Jabir (RA) states:"When I went out on journey (and although I was wealthy and had more merchandise than my companions), my conditions were worse than them, but from the time I began reciting these Sura’s, on return my condition was better than all of them, and I had most provisions of the journey".(Hisnul Hasin)

18.When stopping en route at any place one should read:A’uzu bikalimathillaah-hithammaathi minsharri maa khalaq“I seek refuge in the perfect words of Allah from the evil of that which He has created”

As long as the person who utters these words remains at that place then no harm shall befall him inshallah(Muslim)19.When one enters a town or village, settlement etc then one should read:-اللَّهُمَّبَارِكْلَنَافِيهَاAllaahumma baarik lanaa feehaa“O Allah bless us in this (village, town settlement etc)”(Tabarani)Then recite:اللَّهُمَّارْزُقْنَاجِنَاهَاوَحَبِّبْنَاإِلَىأَهْلِهَاوَحَبِّبْصَالِحِيأَهْلِهَاإِلَيْنَا"O Allah, grant us the fruit of this place and create love in the people for us and create love in our hearts for the righteous people (of this area)".(Hisnul Hasin from Tabarani)20.When one reaches one’s destination then recite the following:Rabbi anzilnee munzalan mubaarakan wa antha khayrul munzileen“My Rabb caused me to set foot on a blessed land and You are the best of those who brings me to this land”.21.Dua when alighting off a vehicle

When alighting off a vehicle recite:

أَعُوذُبِكَلِمَاتِاللَّهِالتَّامَّاتِمِنْشَرِّمَاخَلَقَ

A’udhubikalimaathillaahithammaathi min sharra maa khalaq

"I seek refuge in Allah by His complete words from the evils of the creation".

By reciting this dua, no harm will befall on the person.(Muslim)

22.Upon returning from a journey one should read:آيِبُونَتَائِبُونَعَابِدُونَلِرَبِّنَاحَامِدُونَ

Laa ilaaha illallaahu wahdahu Laa shareeka lahu, lahul mulku wa lahul hamdu yuhyee wa yumeetu wa huwa hayyul Laa yamootu, biyadihil khayr wa huwa alaa kulli shay'in qadeer.Aa iboona thaa iboona ‘aabidoona ‘aa idoona saajidoona lirabbinaa haamidoon. Sadaqallaahu wa’adahu wanasara ‘abdahu wahazamal ahzaaba wahdah"There is none worthy of worship besides Allah who has no partner, His is the Kingdom and to him is all praise, for He has created everything. We are those returning, repenting and obedient to Allah, performing Sajdah, praising Allah, Allah has made truth (fulfilled) His promise and aided His servant and defeated the enemy armies Alone."(Mishkaat)24.When one sets eyes upon ones town, village or settlement etc then he should recite:Allaahummajjall lanaa bihaa qaraa ra'warizqan hasanaa“Oh Allah, make for us in it a place of staying and grant us good sustenance”25. If one returns from a journey at night then one should not go home immediately but rather spend the night in the Masjid and go home the next day.(This applies for Male’s only)(Bukhari)

26. If the family is aware of your late arrival and is expecting you, then there is no harm in going home immediately.(Mirkaat Vol.7, pg.338)

27. It was the habit of Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)that when he came back from a journey he did so around Chaasht time (Breakfast time). He first went to the Masjid, read 2 rakats of Nafl prayer and sat in the Masjid meeting people for a little while before going home.(Bukhari)28. Those who have excess provisions should consider those who have less(Muslim)

20. Sunnats of greeting, handshake and embracing

1. When a Muslim meets another then they should greet with the Islamic greeting which is:

Asalaamu Alaikum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaathuh“Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah descend upon you”That person who greets first without waiting for the other person to greet is closer to Allah.(Bukhari)2. One should greet every Muslim, i.e. those who one knows and those who one does not know.(Ibid)Note:Exceptions are that women are not expected to have to speak to non-mahram men.3. It has been mentioned in the hadith of Bukhari and Muslim that once Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)passed by a group of children and he made salaam to them, hence we deduce that it is Sunnah to make salaam to children as well.(MuslimVol.2, pg. 214)4. The young should always greet the elderly and the walking should always greet the sitting and the fewer should greet the many(Ibid)5. To greet again the person from whom one has parted company, even if such a parting was only for a short while(Baihaqi)6. To greet when entering or leaving the home (Whether one’s own house or that of another).Allah is guaranteed for that person who greets and then enters his house.(Al-Adabul Mufrid)Allah suffices for him during his life and after his death and Jannah shall be his abode.7. One should greet loud enough for the one for whom the greeting is intended to.(Ibid)8. If a third person’s greetings are conveyed to one, then it should be answered in the following manner:-Wa Alaika Wa Alaihissalaam“Peace be upon you and him”.(Abu Dawud)9. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said that the perfect way for one to greet is to shake hands.(Mishkaat)10.Whilst shaking hands the following dua should be read:-Yaghfirullaahu lanaa walakum.(Mishkaat)11. Forgiveness for those who give salaamAl-Bara' ibn Azib (RA)narratedthat the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:If two Muslims meet, shake hands, praise Allah, and ask Him for forgiveness, they will be forgiven.(Abu Dawood)12. Both hands should be used in handshakes. It is not sufficient that ones fingers just touch the others but ones palms should be firmly grasped. However such pressure should not be applied that would cause pain or discomfort for the other.13. Whenever the Sahaaba met, they shook hands with one another and on returning from a journey they used to embrace one other.(Attargheeb)14. Women should also greet each other by shaking hands.(Baihaqi)Note: - Males should NOT greet nor shake hands with a women. This ruling applies on those females one can marry. Hence it is permissible that one can greet and shake hands with ones mother, sister, daughter, aunt, granny, wife etc15. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)habit was to wait with the person meeting him until the person departed. Also he would not remove his hand from the person who was shaking it, until the other removed his. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)also never turned his face away from anyone and if someone wanted to whisper something to him then he took his ear close to the speaker and did not depart until the speaker had completed what they were saying.(Nasai)16. If Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)wished to call somebody whose name he did not know then he used to call out to him with the words: -“Yaa ibna abdullah”:-O Son of the Allah’s slave”.17.End a Three Day Dispute with SalaamsAbu Hurayrah (RA)narrated thatthe Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:It is not allowable for a believer to keep from a believer for more than three days. If three days pass, he should meet him and give him a salutation, and if he replies to it they will both have shared in the reward; but if he does not reply he will bear his sin (according to Ahmad's version) and the one who gives the salutation will have come forth from the sin of keeping apart. (Abu Dawood 4894)18.Greeting during EidJabyr ibn Nufayr (RA) said:'When the companions of Allah's Messenger(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)met on the day of eid, they would say to each other, 'Taqaballahu minna wa mink(May Allah accept from us and you)."[Al Mahamiliyyat; hasan isnad; see Fath ul Bari 2:446]19.Most miserly person is one who is miserly with greetingsAbu Hurraira (RA) said,"The most miserly of all people is one who is miserly with greetings. The weakest of all people is a person who is weak in [making]du'a(supplication prayer).”(Bukhari's Book of Manners #1046)20.Giving Salaam is one of the best actsAbdullah bin 'Umar (RA) said: A man asked the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam),"What is the best act of Islam?"He said,"To feed others and to give greetings of Salaam (peace) to those whom you know and to those whom you do not know.”(Al-Bukhari, Muslim 1/65)Acting upon the Sunnah makes a person the beloved of Allah Ta’ala. That is why one should act upon it punctually.21.If one of the People of the Scripture (i.e. Christians and Jews) greets you saying As-Salaamu 'alaykum, then say (to him):

وعليكمWa 'alaykumAnd upon you.(Al-Bukhari, Muslim 4/1705)

21. Sunnah’s regarding hospitality to guests

This section is split into three categories:

A) Sunnah’s regarding the unexpected guest:

1. One should avoid going to another's house at meal times. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has mentioned in hadith that it is forbidden to take part in a meal of another without being invited to do so. However it is permissible and a sunnah to go to the house of ones true friend without an invitation and to partake of meals there.

2. One may place before an unexpected visitor whatever one has available by way of food. However one should not take a loan to obtain provisions for such visitor.

3. Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said that it is a major sin to regard that which the host offers as little and for the host to feel it low to offer it to one’s guest.

B) Sunnah’s regarding the invited guest:

1. The host should invite ONLY pious people and not sinners as they may spread wrong and sin.

2. Special meals should be prepared for the first day.(Bukhari)

3. A guest may be entertained and shown hospitality for a period of three days. Beyond the three days would be charity.(Bukhari)

4. A guest should not inconvenience the guest by overstaying.(Bukhari)

5. A guest who does not accept an invitation has disobeyed Allah and his Rasul(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)unless non acceptance is within the boundaries of Shari’at.(Abu Dawud)

C) Sunnah’s regarding both the unexpected and invited guests:

1. Even though ones host does not treat him with honour and respect, when he is a guest at the host’s house then he must always treat the host with due respect and honour, should he be a guest at his house.(Tirmidhi)

2. If a host were to ask his guest to make a choice then the easier of the options should be chosen.

3. A guest must not request anything that will cause inconvenience to the host

4. A guest must not inconvenience his host by overstaying.(Bukhari)

5. The host must respect and honour his guest.(Bukhari)

6. A guest should be seen off at ones door.(Ibn Majah)

7. A dinner guests invocation for his host:

Allaahumma baarik lahum feemaa razaqtahum, waghfir lahum warhamhum.

O Allah, bless them in what You have provided for them, and forgive them and have mercy on them.(Muslim 3/1615)

22. Sunnah’s of Gifts

1. Both to give and to receive gifts are Sunnah.

2. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said exchange gifts, as that will lead to increasing your love to one another.(Bukhari)

3. A’isha (RA) narrated that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to accept gifts and reward people for giving them.(Bukhari)

Giving gifts is one way that we can become closer to our fellow Muslims, and strengthen the bond between us. It is a great Sunnah that we can revive, inshallah.

4. If someone does give you a gift, how should you respond?

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whoever has a favour done for him and says:‘Jazaak Allaahu khayran’has done his utmost to thank him.”(At-Tirmidhi)

Note:Care should be taken that gifts are not given on those ceremonies that are celebrated by the kufaar like Christmas, Valentines, wedding anniversaries, birthdays etc. This is tantamount to the emulation of the non Muslims which is prohibited by Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)

5. Gifts should be given in secrecy. However, the recipient of the gift has the option of whether to mention it or not.

6. Therefore it is not permissible for the bride or bride groom’s party to display the gifts that they intend giving to the other party during weddings.

7. If the gift is not cash then one should give such a gift that would be most useful and beneficial for the recipient.

8. One should not mention any of ones personal needs before or even after giving a gift.

9. One should not give so much as it would become difficult for the recipient to accept.

10. One should not talk or boast of one’s gesture after giving a present.

Note:A gift does not have to be something extravagant, but a simple gift like a cup of coffee for your friend, or a sandwich or something will soften the heart of the one who receives the gift. It’s about quality, not quantity.

Also, we must remember that giving gifts and charity does not give us the authority to remind people of what we gave them. This is one of the worst actions one can do, asAllah says:O you who have believed, do not invalidate your charities with reminders [of it] or injury.[Suratul Baqarah, verse 264]

If someone did not acknowledge your gift or charity, do not take it upon yourself to remind them and ruin your reward by doing so. Remember that your reward is with Allah ta’ala–they cannot give you anything compared to what He Gives, and remember that He knows your intentions. Wa Allahu ta’ala ‘alam.

23. Sunnah’s of Majlis (Gathering)

1. Almighty Allah should be remembered in every gathering and in every Majlis (Gathering) and to recite durood shareef at least once.(Hisnul Hasin)

2. One should sit in any place in a gathering.

3. It is not permissible for a person to sit in a gathering between two people without their permission.(Tirmidhi)

4. It is incorrect to remove someone from his seat and to sit in his place.(Bukhari)

5. To sit close together and not far apart.(Abu Dawud)

6. If any person comes into a gathering, then out of respect for him to move a bit to give him some space in order for him to sit down. This shall make the newcomer feel welcomed and accepted. It is therefore a sunnah even if there is place in the gathering.(Baihaqi)

7. If there are 3 people in a gathering, it is wrong for 2 of them to talk in a language not understood by the other person.(Bukhari)

8. When Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)intended to leave any gathering in which he participated then he would recite Asthaghfaar (asking for forgiveness) 10 to 15 times.(Ibn Sunni)

“Glory be to Allah and Praise be to Him. Oh Allah I glorify you and praise you and testify that there is none worthy of worship but You and I seek Your forgiveness and I turn to You”. It is also said to be a means of forgiveness when recited before leaving a gathering.(Abu Dawud, Ibn Majah, An-Nisaa’i)

24. Sunnah’s of visiting the Sick

1. There are great rewards in visiting the sick. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said that whoever visits the sick person in the morning then 70,000 angels shall be invoking mercy of Allah on the visitor and whosoever visits a sick person in the evening the 70,000 angels will make dua for the person for mercy until the morning and he shall also have a garden in Jannah.(Mishkaat)

According to al-Tirmidhi (2008), the Messenger of Allah(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Whoever visits a sick person or visits a brother in Islam, a caller cries out to him: ‘May you be happy, may your walking be blessed, and may you occupy a dignified position in Paradise’.”

2. When visiting the sick one should first greet him and then enquire about his health.

3. One should not visit the sick for long (Overstay such visit)(Baihaqi)

4. One should always encourage the sick person and be careful not to speak of things which may cause despair and loss of hope.(Tirmidhi)

5. One should recite the following dua when in the presence of the patient:

Laa ba' sa thahooran insha allaah

“Do not be afraid if Allah wills this will be atonement for ones sins.”(Bukhari)

6. And to also make the following dua for the patient:(Repeat it 7 times):

Asalallaahal adheema rabbal arshil adheemi ayyashfeek

“I ask Allah the Great, who is the sustainer of the Great Throne to give you “Shifa”- Cure”.(At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

Benefit:Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said that whenever a Muslim visits a Muslim patient and reads the above dua seven times then the patient will definitely recover from his illness except such illness which shall result in death.(Ahmad and Abu Dawood, 3106)

7. If it is possible then one should take a gift for the patient and if need be assist financially, since Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)has said that the best person is he who benefits mankind.

8. Even when visiting the sick one’s intention should be ONLY to seek the pleasure of Allah as is with ANY good that one does.

9. One should not force the sick person to eat or drink.(Mishkaat)

10. It is forbidden to make Taweez against Shari’at for example a taweez to create friction between husband and wife. Similarly jadu (witchcraft) is also forbidden in Islam and against the Sunnah.(Mishkaat)

11. To request the patient to make dua as the dua’s of the sick are readily accepted.(Baihaqi)

12. A sick person’s dua is like that of the angels(Ibn Majah)

13. Whosoever reads the following dua upon seeing another afflicted with sickness or difficulty shall himself be saved from it inshallah.

“All praise is due to Allah who has saved me from that with which He afflicted you and gave me excellence over most of whom He created”.(Mishkaat)

14.The reward for visiting the sick:When a man goes to visit his sick Muslim brother, he walks along a path of Paradise until he sits, and when he sits he is cloaked in mercy. If he comes in the morning, seventy thousand angels pray for him until evening, and if he comes in the evening, seventy thousand angels pray for him until morning.(At-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah, Ahmad)

15.Invocations of the terminally ill:

Allaahum-maghfir lee warhamnee wa 'alhiqnee bir-rafeeqil-'a'laa.

O Allah, forgive me and have mercy upon me and join me with the highest companions (in Paradise).(Al-Bukhari7/10, Muslim 4/1893)

As Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)was dying, he dipped his hands in water and wiped his face saying:

Laa 'ilaaha 'illallaahu 'inna lilmawti lasakaraatin.

There is none worthy of worship but Allah, surely death has agonies.(Al-Bukhari)

We are from Allah and unto Him we return. O Allah take me out of my plight and bring to me after it something better. (Muslim 2/632)

25. Sunnah’s pertaining to eating

Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)never ate to his fill. He only ate if he was hungry. He emphasised that one third of the stomach should be for food and another for water and the other for the stomach itself.

1.To spread cloth on the floor to lay food on(Bukhari)

2.To wash hands and gargle before eating(Tirmidhi)

3. To make intention that,“I am eating to gain strength for Allah’s Ibaadah(Worship)”.(Attargheeb)

4. To say Bismillah loud(Bukhari, Muslim-Shami, Vol.5)

Note:This is so as to remind others who are eating to say it as well.

5. To eat with the right hand(Bukhari, Muslim)

6. When taking food and when giving to someone then the right hand should be used.(Ibn Majah)

7. The one who is most pious or senior from those eating should be made to commence eating first.(Muslim- Vol.2 pg. 171)

8. To eat together and not individually(Abu Dawud)

9. The more people eating together then the greater the blessings and reward.(Mishkaat)

10. If only one type of food is in the utensil, eat from the side in front of you.(Bukhari, Muslim)

11. If two or more people are eating together from the same plate then each person should eat that food which is closest to them, it is incorrect to eat that food which is in the middle or in front of others.(Tirmidhi)

12. If a variety of dishes are served then it is permissible to partake in any of the dishes one wishes to have and leave alone that which he does not want to partake in without passing any remarks.(Tirmidhi)

13. If a morsel falls, pick it up, clean it and eat it.(Muslim)

14. Any fallen crumbs or pieces of food should be picked up and eaten and not left for Shaythaan.(Ibn Majah)

17. If a big chunk of meat is served then it is permissible to cut it with a knife(Bukhari, Muslim)

18. Whilst eating if a visitor comes then he should be requested to partake in the meals(Muslim)

19. Small pieces of meat should not be cut with a knife but with the teeth as this aid with digestion(Tirmidhi)

20. Steaming food which is too hot should not be eaten until I has cooled down(Ahmad)

21. Do not blow onto food(Tirmidhi)

22. To have vinegar and honey in the house is Sunnah(Tirmidhi)

23. Always be satisfied and content with whatever quantity or quality of food Allah has given us as it is a bounty from Allah(Malik)

24. . Remove the shoes while eating.(Mishkaat)

25. . When eating, sit either with both knees raised and the posterior on the ground or by raising one knee and keeping the other on the ground. A third posture is to sit with both knees on the ground (as in the position of Qa’dah) and lean forward to eat.(Mirqaat- commentary of Mishkaat)

26. If one can easily eat with three fingers then he should do so and not unnecessarily use the fourth, so the extra fingers should be used only if needed(Attargheeb)

27.To recite the following dua before eating:

بِسْمِاللهوَعَلَىبَرَكَةِالله

Bismilllaahi wa ‘alaa barakathillah

“In the name of Allah and with the blessings of Allah”.(Abu Dawud)

28. If one forgets to read Bismillah before eating then once they remember then they should recite:

Bismillaahi awwalahu wa aakhirahu

In the name of Allah at the beginning and until the end of it(Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

29. Clean the plate and other eating utensils thoroughly after eating. The utensils will then make dua for one’s forgiveness.(Ibn Majah)

30. When eating together one should stay and accompany the slower eaters but if this is not possible then one can excuse themself when finished eating.(Ibn Majah)

31. If several people are eating dates and grapes or something similar then they should not take in two’s except for the permission of their companions.(Bukhari)

All praise is due to Allah, such praise which is pure, full of blessings. O our Sustainer, we are not clearing away this food due to regarding it as sufficient (that we do not require anything more from you), nor in the manner of abandoning it, nor do we regard ourselves as not being in need of it.(Bukhari)

39. Wash both hands.(Tirmidhi, Abu Dawood)

40. Gargle the mouth.(Bukhari)

41. The habit of gargling water together with washing hands after meals is a source of great blessings.(Ibn Majah)

42.Invocation for someone who gives you a drink or offers it to you:

Allaahumma 'at'im man 'at'amanee wasqi man saqaanee.

O Allah feed the one who has fed me and drink to the one who has given me drink.(Muslim 3/126)

43. When dining at someone’s house then the following dua should be made for them:

Allaahumma baarik lahum feemaa razaqthahum waghfirlahum war hamhum

Oh Allah bless them in what You have given them to eat and forgive them and be merciful to them.(Muslim)

44. It is Sunnah to partake of some vinegar. That house in which vinegar is found will not be regarded as empty of gravy.(Ibn Majah)

45. If a person uses only wheat (to make his bread), he should also add a little barley so as to get the Sawaab (reward) of acting on a Sunnah.

46. To eat meat is Sunnah. It is reported in a Hadith that the most superior food of this world and the hereafter is meat.(Jaamia Sageer-Vol.2, pg. 34)

47. To accept the invitation of one’s fellow Muslim is a Sunnah.(Abu Dawood)

Note:However if (the major portion of) his income is from interest, bribery or any other haraam source, then his invitation should not be accepted.

48. It is Sunnah to give food to the family of the deceased.(Ibn Majah)

49. On receiving (gifts) a fruit of the season for the first time Rasulallah touched his eyes then both lips and read:

Allahumma kamaa araythanaa awwalahu fa arinaa aakhiraa

Oh Allah just as you have shown us it’s first, show us its last.

Thereafter Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)used to give it to any children who were close by.(Zaadul Maad)

50.Never eat with left hand:

Hadhrat Jabir (Ra) Narrated the Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:“Do not eat with your left hand for Shaytaan eats with his left hand,”(Muslim)

51.Never waste food:

Hadhrat Jabir Narrated the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)commanded us never to waste food, because food that we waste is eaten by Shaytaan.Hesaid:“The Shaytaan is present with everyone of you in everything he does; he is even present when he eats food, so if any on of you drops a mouthful, he should remove away anything filthy on it and eat it and not leave it for the devil; and when he finished, he should lick his fingers for he does not know in what portion of his food the blessing ties.”(Muslim)

Therefore it is not for us to eat till we are completely satiated; rather we should eat such that the hunger goes but there is still room for more.

53.Thank Allah abundantly for providing us with food:

We have an excellent opportunity to transform an everyday practice of eating and drinking into an act of worship and a source of blessing for us. Every mouthful of food we take will serve as a reminder of Allah’s great favour upon us and His Mercy and this in turn will cause us to earn favour with Allah, forHadhrat Annas (Ra) narrated that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam)said:

“Indeed Allah is pleased with His servant who, when he eats a morsel, praises Him for it, or drinks a sip and then praises Him for it.”(Muslim)

26. Sunnah’s of drink

1. To reciteبِسْمِاللَّهِBismillah-“In the name of Allah”-before drinking andالْحَمْدُلِلَّهِAlhamdulillah-All praise be to Allah”- after drinking(Bukhari, Tirmidhi)

2. Drink with the right hand as Shaythaan drinks with the left hand.(Muslim)

3. Sit and drink as it is forbidden to drink whilst standing(Muslim)

4. To stand and drink Zamzam water and water left over after making Wudhu(Tirmidhi)

Note:It is far better to sit whilst drinking but Zamzam should be drank standing

5. Drink in three breathes (Sips) and after each sip take away utensil from mouth.(Muslim, Tirmidhi)

6. Avoid drinking from the side of the utensil which is chipped(Abu Dawud)

7. Do not drink directly from the chipped, the spout of a jug or from any such utensil from which the water gushes out very quickly (causing one to choke) or from such a utensil in which there is a possibility that a snake or scorpion etc. may have crept in.(Bukhari, Muslim)

8. The person who serves others should himself take last.(Tirmidhi)

9. After drinking from the utensil if the water is to be passed then let it be passed from the right who will pass it to his right and the procedure will continue till the end(Bukhari, Muslim)

Note:The same sequence can be applied when passing around Tea or anything else

10. The following dua to be recited after drinking Milk:

اللَّهُمَّبَارِكْلَنَافِيهِوَزِدْنَامِنْهُ

Allaahummah baarik lanaa feehi wazid lanaa minhu

Oh Allah grant us abundance in it (The Milk) and increase it for us. (Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

All praise is due to Allah who gave us fresh, sweet water to drink through his mercy and did not make it salty or bitter due to our sins.(Roohul Ma’ani, pg.149, 27th chapter)

11. To use water that has been kept overnight providing that it had been covered.(Bukhari)

12. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)had a wooden cup which had on its exterior a metal and he used to drink liquids from this. In another narration Rasulallahalso had a glass cup.(Nashrut tib)

13. Not to drink from a big container for e.g. water jug, bottle etc but rather from a tumbler or cup.

14. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)has forbidden the use of gold and silver utensils(Bukhari)

27. Praying Zuhr Salah

1.A male should pray their Dhuhr Salahat the Masjid unless he has a valid excuse.

2. Once Wudhu is made in the Sunnah way then one should offer 2 Rak’ahs Nafil Salah with complete humility, devotion and sincerity and inshallah the minor sins of the worshipper should be forgiven(Tirmidhi)

Note:As mentioned earlier with regard to Fajr Salah then care should be taken to follow all of the Sunnah of Wudhu, leaving the house and proceeding to the Masjid, Entering the Masjid and sitting in it, straightening the rows whilst reading Salah with Jamaat.

3. Virtues of the Four Rak’ahs Sunnah of Zuhr

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)is reported to have said:Whoever performs the four rakaats before and after the Zuhr salaat with constancy, Allah Ta'ala makes the fire of Hell haraam (forbidden) for him.[Mishkaat, p. 104; Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah]

The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)is reported to have said:after the worshipper prays the four rakaats of Zuhr salaat, the doors of heaven are opened, i.e. the salaat becomes accepted by Allah, and the cause of its acceptance comes down on the worshipper as rays of mercy.[Mishkaat, p. 104]

4.If one arrives for Jamaat late when the Jamaat has risen then one should not run but walk briskly to join with the Jamaat.(Tirmidhi)

5. Those who are more learned in the laws relating to Salah should stand behind the Imaam.(Tirmidhi)

6. It has been narrated that Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)read Salah on a carpet, chatai (Thin may made of straws and or the sand of the earth.(Tirmidhi)

7. Salah read on the sand or earth is better than read on a straw mat. Salah read on straw mat is better than read on a Mussallah (Material) or carpet. (Sharhi- Niqayah)

28. Taking a Short nap (Qayloolah) after Dhuhr

1. If one is not occupied then one can fulfil a very beneficial sunnah which is to take a short nap before or after Zuhr which should not be more than 30 minutes.

2. This is the sunnah:to take a nap before or after Zuhr time; a sunnah which our righteous Ulama take very seriously, as it is one of the tested means that assist in getting up for night vigil (tahajjud) prayer.

3. It is stated in al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya (also known as Alamgiriyya),“It is recommended to take the noon nap (Qayloolah), because the Prophetsaid, “Take the noon nap, for the Shaytaan does not nap.”(Tabarani (Awsat)) This was mentioned in al-Ghiyathiyya.”[5.372]

29. Asr SalahVirtues of the 4 Rak’ahs Sunnah of Asr
1.Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:"May Allah have Mercy on the one who offers four (rak'ahs) before 'Asr prayer."(Abu Dawud)

2. If a person performs four Rakaats before Asr Salaat, he will receive a house in Jannah.(Majmauz-Zawaaid vol.2 pg.222).

3. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)has made a special Du'aa for the mercy of Allah to be showered on such a person.(Sunan Tirmidhi Hadith 430)

Note:Special care should be taken to straighten rows when praying with Jamaat.

4. After Asr Salah the following dua should be recited this will cause ones sins to be forgiven even if they are equal to the oceans:

I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is non worthy of worship, the living, the sustainer and unto him do I repent.(Bukhari, Abu Dawood)

Note:As with Fajr salaat it is very rewarding to engage oneself in the remembrance of Allah even if it’s for a little while.

5.Tasbih Fatima should be recited after Fard of Asr where one recites Subhaanallah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allaahu Akbar 34 times and then make dua.

6. One should make a habit of remaining in the Masjid after Asr Salah until Maghrib engaging oneself in Dhikrullah (Remembrance of Allah) and the recitation of the Qur’an. The result of remaining at the Masjid until Maghrib is reward of freeing four slaves from the progeny of Ismail (As).(Attargheeb)

Note:When the sun sets then children should NOT be allowed to play out and should be brought in immediately as this is the time Shaythaan emerges and moves around. After sun has set then it is ok to let your children out again if one so wishes.

30. Maghrib Salah

1. After the Adhaan for Maghrib and before Fard of Maghrib no Sunnah Salah should be read.

“Oh Allah this is the hour of the advent of Your night and the retreat of Your Day and the cry of your petitioners. So grant me forgiveness.”(Mishkaat)

2. During sunset children should be brought it as Shaythaan is out at that time. After Maghrib when darkness has set in then it is safe for them to go out inshallah.

3. Reading the 2 Sunnah’s of Maghrib is Sunnah(Tirmidhi)

4.After the Maghrib Prayer:Muslim Taimi narrates from Prophet Mohammad(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)to recite the following seven times before speaking to anyone:

اللَّهُمَّأَجِرْنِيمِنَالنَّارِ

Allaahumma Ajirnee minannaar

"O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)."

If a person recites the above dua and dies the same night, he will be saved from Jahannam and if he recites it seven times after Fajr Salaat before speaking to anyone and if he dies on that same day, he will be saved from Jahannam.(Mishkaat from Abu Dawood)

4. Salaatul Awwabeen (Nafl prayers of Maghrib)

After the 3 Fard and 2 Sunnah of Maghrib, performance of the minimum of 6 to a maximum of 20 rakaats is called Salaatul Awwabeen.

1. Awwabeen is the six Rakaats of Salaat after the Maghrib Salaat. It is established from the Hadith:

Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)mentioned,"Whoever performs 6 Rakaats after Maghrib Salaat will earn the reward of 12 years of Nafl Ibadah."(Tirmidhi)

Note:The Sunnah’s of what to recite after the completion of Salah should be read. These Sunnat’s should be conveyed to as many people as possible so that they may benefit too In'Sha'Allah.

32. Isha Salaat

Note:It is far better to perform Isha in the first third portion of the night rather than the second or third portion.

1. It is Sunnah to read the 4 rakaat sunnah before the Fard of Isha(Mishkaat)

2.To read 2 Rakaat Sunnah after the Fard of Isha(Mishkaat)

3. If a person performs four Rakaats (two Sunnats and two Nafl) after Isha in the Masjid, he will receive the reward of performing these Salaat on Laylatul Qadr. This has been mentioned by various Sahaaba (Radhiyallahu Anhum) – (refer to Nasbul-Raayah vol. 1 pg. 112)

4.There are Glad tidings of Jannah on the person who performs Isha Salaat with Jamaat on time and on the first takbir(Takbir Oola)(Attargheeb)

5. The person who performs 4 rakaat of Nafl instead of 2 rakaat Nafl after performing 2 rakaat sunnah will receive the reward is if they worshipped on the night of Laylatul Qadr(Attargheeb)

6. One should try not to arrive too late and not too miss Takbir Oola which is the first takbir(Attargheeb)

7. After the 2 rakaat Nafl after the Witr in the first rakaat reciteSurah Zilzilahand in the second rakaat reciteSurah Kaafirun.The recital of these two rakats will now stand in the place of tahajjud salaat.(Attargheeb)

8. It is disliked (Mukruh) to speak of worldly affairs after Isha unnecessarily. (Mishkaat)

9. There are glad tidings on a person who even though it is a dark and moonless light still goes out to perform Isha in the Masjid(Ibn Majah)

10.In the first Rakaat of Witr after Surah Fatiha recite:

Sabbihissmirabbikal a’alaa(Para 30, Surah No 87)

And in the second Rakaat:

Surah Kaafiroon

In the third Rakaat:

Surah Ikhlaas

Note:Sometimes these Sura’s should be changed so as to not let it be assumed that this is Fard to read it this way all the time.

11.After the three Witr To recite:

Subhaanal Malikil Qudoos

Glory is to the King, the Holy.

12. Three times audibly but not so audibly so as to disturb others and to stretch the last word on the third one recites this.(Mishkaat)

O Allah, You alone do we worship and to You we pray and bow down prostrate. To You we hasten to worship and to serve. Our hope is for Your mercy and we fear Your punishment. Surely, Your punishment of the disbelievers is at hand. O Allah, we seek Your help and Your forgiveness, and we praise You beneficently. We do not deny You and we believe in You. We surrender to You and renounce whoever disbelieves in You.(Al-Baihaqi)

14. To perform every Fard Salah with Jamaat with‘Takbeere Oola’.(Attargheeb)

15. If one usually wakes up for Tahajjud then one should pray the Witr Salah after the Tahajjud Salah but if there is risk that one will not wake up then it is best to pray the Witr Salah before going to sleep as well as praying Tahajjud Salah.

2. To make Dua with sincerity. In other words, one should firmly believe that nobody but Allah Ta’ala will fulfil his objectives.(Hakim)

3. One should perform a good deed prior to making the Dua & he should mention this during the course of the Dua. For e.g. He should say,“O Allah! I had performed so & so deed solely for Your pleasure. O Allah! accept my Dua due to the barkah (blessings) of that deed.”(Muslim, Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud).

14. To abstain from raising the eyes towards the sky whilst making Dua(Muslim)

15. To mention the Asmaal-Husnaa (the names of Allah Ta’ala) and the sublime qualities Of Allah Ta’ala.(Ibn Hibbaan and Mustadrak)

16. To abstain from ceremonies rhyming of the Dua phrases(Bukhari)

17. To abstain from saying the Dua in a"sing-song"tone if the Dua is in a poetic form(Hisnul Hasin)

18. One should make Dua through the medium of the Ambiyaa (alayhimus-salaam) and other Pious servants. (For e.g. He should say. O Allah! Accepts my Dua through The good offices of these saintly people).(Bukhari, Bazaar, Hakim)

19. To make the Dua in a soft voice(All six major hadith collections on the authority if Abu Musa)

20. To utter the Dua phrases transcribed from Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)because Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)didn’t leave out a single need of the Deen nor of the dunya whilst teaching us how to make Dua(Abu Dawud, Nasai)

21. To make a Dua that encompasses most of the needs of Deen and the dunya.(Abu Dawud)

22. To make Dua in favour of oneself first, thereafter ones parents and to include the other Muslims in the Dua as well(Muslim)

23. If the Imam is making Dua, he should not make Dua for himself only but he should Include all the congregants in the Dua(Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, and Ibn Majah)

24. Abu Dawudnarrates that Rasulallah(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)Said:“the Imam, who makes Dua for himself only, has betrayed the people."In other words, the Imam should not Make a Dua that is restricted to him alone.For e.g. He should not say,"O Allah! cure my son."or"O Allah! Return my lost item."etc. but he should make a Dua that includes the entire congregation for e.g. He may say"O Allah! Forgive us and have mercy upon us."

25. To make Dua with firm conviction (for e.g. he should not say:"O Allah! If you wish fulfil so and so task of mine."(All six major hadith collections)

26. To make Dua with enthusiasm & yearning.(Ibn Hibban & Abu Awanah).

27. As far as possible endeavour to bring about a"presence of heart and mind"and cherish a high hope of the Dua being accepted.(Hakim)

28. To make Dua repeatedly.(Bukhari, Muslim)

29 This repetition should be at least thrice(Abu Dawud)

Note:One may repeat the Dua thrice in none sitting or he may repeat it on three different occasions. The"repetition of the Dua"can be interpreted in both ways.

30. To make Dua earnestly and insistently.(Nasai, Hakim, Abu Awanah)

31. To abstain from making Dua of severing family ties or other sins.(Muslim, Tirmidhi)

32. Avoid making Dua’s of pre-determined and fixed things (for e.g. woman should not make a dua of being transformed into a man or a tall person shouldn't make Dua saying"O Allah! Make me short."etc)(Nasai).

Note:The dua should be made for permissible things.

33. Don't Make Dua for impossible things.(Bukhari)

34. Don't make a Dua in which you ask Allah Ta’ala to confine His mercy to yourself Only(Bukhari, Abu Dawud, Nasai, and Ibn Majah)

35. Ask only Allah Ta’ala alone for all your needs. Do not depend upon His creations.(Tirmidhi/Ibn Hibbaan)

36. The one making the Dua as well as the person listening to it, both should say Ameen at the end.(Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai)

37. Rub both hands over the face at the termination of the Dua(Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Ibn Hibbaan, Majah, and Hakim)

38. Don't be impatient over the acceptance of Dua’s. In other words, don't say:"I've made Dua repeatedly but to no avail."(Bukhari, Muslim, Abu Dawud, Nasai, Ibn Majah)

39. Try to cry whilst making dua to Allah as he attends to his servants quicker when they are crying with meekness and humility just as a mother tends to her baby quickly when it cries out for its mother. If one cannot cry then one must at least try and simulate the act of crying.

Note:The dua should be concluded with Durood and Ameen.

40. When dua’s are answered Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)has taught us to be thankful and appreciative by saying:-

“Praise be to Allah that good works have been accomplished by his Power and Glory.”(Hakim)

34. Recitation of the Qur'an

Etiquette of reciting the Qur’an

1. Firstly to ensure that ones body and clothes are clean.

2. To make Wudhu before reciting the Qur’an

3. To make sure that the surroundings and the area where one is going to recite the Qur’an is clean.

4. To use Miswaak before reciting the Qur’an

5. To sit facing the Qiblah.

6. To place the Qur’an in a slightly elevated position.

7. Not to feel the urge and need to hasten or finish recitation quickly.

8. To be emotional and weep when reading certain verses like verses of fear and Jahannam and to express happiness and jot when reading the verses of Jannah and glad tidings.

9. One has to imagine, according toImamAl-Nawawi, thathe is talking with Allah, since one recites His Real Words, and He sees us.

10. To read with Tajweed (correct pronunciation).

11. To read“A’oozu Billaahi minashaythanirajeem”and“Bismillah”at the beginning of recitation of each Surah.

12. To read with a sweet distinct and pleasing voice and not a “singing” tone.

13. To read in a loud voice but if one fears insincerity or risk of Showing off or disturbing others then one should read in a low tone especially as not to disturb those who are praying Salah

14. To refrain from idle talk whilst reading the Qur’an. However if one is compelled to talk or answer Salaam then one can do so and start again with“A’oozu Billahi”and“Bismillah”.

15. Rasulallahdid not finish the whole Qur’an in less than 3 days.(Ibn Saad)

16. One should not use saliva on the fingers to turn the pages of the Qur'an.

17. When one fears that a Qur'an may burn, get soaked, that a non-Muslim may touch it, or that it may come into contact with some filth, then one must pick it up if there is no safe place for it, even if one is not in the state ofWudhuor is in need of the obligatory bath, though performing the dry ablution (Tayummum) isWaajibif possible.

18. It isharaam (forbidden)to use the Qur'an or any book of Islamic knowledge as a pillow.

1. Not to touch the Qur'an except in the state of ritual purity in Wudhu, and to recite it when in a state of ritual purity;

2. To brush one's teeth with a tooth stick (Siwak), remove food particles from between the them, and to freshen one's mouth before reciting, since it is the way through which the Qur'an passes;

3. To sit up straight if not in prayer, and not lean back;

4. To dress for reciting as if intending to visit a prince, for the reciter is engaged in an intimate discourse;

5. To face the direction of prayer (Qiblah) to recite;

6. To rinse the mouth out with water if one coughs up mucus or phlegm;

7. To stop reciting when one yawns, for when reciting, one is addressing one's Lord in intimate conversation, while yawning is from the Devil;

8. When beginning to recite, to take refuge from in Allah from the accursed Devil and say the “Bismillah”,whether one has begun at the firstSurahor some other part one has reached;9. Once one has begun, not to interrupt one's recital from moment to moment with human words, unless absolutely necessary;

10. To be alone when reciting it, so that no one interrupts one, forcing one to mix the words of the Quran with replying, for this nullifies the effectiveness of having taken refuge in Allah from the Devil at the beginning;

11. To recite it leisurely and without haste, distinctly pronouncing each letter;

12. To use one's mind and understanding in order to comprehend what is being said to one;

13. to pause at verses that promise Allah's favour, to long for Allah Most High and ask of His bounty; and at verses that warn of His punishment to ask Him to save one from it;

14. To pause at the accounts of bygone peoples and individuals to heed and benefit from their example;

15. To find out the meanings of the Qur'an's unusual lexical usages;

16. To give each letter it’s due so as to clearly and fully pronounce every word, for each letter counts as ten good deeds;

17. Whenever one finishes reciting, to attest to the veracity of one’s Lord, and that His messenger (Allah bless him and grant him peace) has delivered his message, and to testify to this, saying:"Our Lord, You have spoken the truth, Your Messengers have delivered their tidings, and bear witness to this. O Allah, make us of those who bear witness to the truth and who act with justice":after which one supplicates Allah with prayers.

18. Not to select certain verses from eachSurahto recite, but rather the recite the wholeSurah;

19. If one puts down the Quran, not to leave it open;

20. Not to place other books upon the Quran, this should always be higher than all other books, whether they are books of Sacred Knowledge or something else;

21. To place the Quran on one's lap when reading; or on something in front of one, not on the floor;

22. Not to wipe it from a slate with spittle, but rather wash it off with water; and if one washes it off with water, to avoid putting the water where there are unclean substances (Najaasat) or where people walk. Such water has its own inviolability, and there were those of the early Muslims before us who used water that washed away Quran to affect cures.

23. Not to use sheets upon which it has been written as book covers, which is extremely rude, but rather to erase the Quran from them with water;

24. Not to let a day go by without looking at least once at the pages of the Quran;

25. To give one's eyes their share of looking at it, for the eyes lead to the soul (Nafs), whereas there is a veil between the breast and the soul, and the Quran is in the breast.

26. Not to trivially quote the Quran at the occurrence of everyday events, as by saying, for example, when someone comes,"You have come hither according to a decree, O Moses"[Qur’an 69:24],

Or,”Eat and drink heartily for what you have done aforetimes, in days gone by"[Qur'an 69:24],when food is brought out, and so forth;

27. Not to recite it to songs tunes like those of the corrupt, or with the tremulous tones of Christians or the plaintiveness of monkery, all of which is misguidance;

28. When writing the Qur'an to do so in a clear, elegant hand;

29. Not to recite it out aloud over another's reciting of it, so as to spoil it for him or make him resent what he hears, making it as if it were some kind of competition;

30. Not to recite it in marketplaces, places of clamour and frivolity, or where fools gather;

31. Not to use the Qur'an as pillow, or lean upon it;

32. Not to toss it when one wants to hand it to another;

33. Not to miniaturize the Qur'an, mix into it what is not of it, or mingle this worldly adornment with it by embellishing or writing it with gold;

34. Not to write it on the ground or on walls, as is done in some new mosques;

35. not to write an amulet with it and enter the lavatory, unless it is encased in leather, silver, or other, for then it is as if kept in the heart;

36. if one writes it and then drinks it (for cure or other purpose), one should say theBismillahat every breath and make a noble and worthy intention, for Allah only gives to one according to one's intention;

37. And if one finishes reciting the entire Qur'an, to begin it anew, that it may not resemble something that has been abandoned.

Etiquettes and Rules of Tilaawat:

1. To memorize one Ayah of the Quran is Fard-e-Aeen on every Mukallaf Muslim; to memorize the entire Holy Quran is Fard-e-Kafyah; to memorize Surah Fatiha and a small Surah or something similar like three small Ayahs or one long Ayah is Wajib-e-Aeen.(Dar al Mukhtar)
2. To read the Holy Quran while looking at it is better then reading without looking at it because in this case one touches the Holy Quran, sees the Holy Quran, and reads the Holy Quran and all this is Ibadah.(Bahar-e-Shariat)
3. To read the Holy Quran in the restroom and such places of impurity is not allowed(Na-Jaiz)4. If somebody is reciting the Quran incorrectly then it is Wajib to tell him/her unless if one fears jealousy and hate.(Gunyah)

5. To memorize the Holy Quran and then to forget it is a sin.
6. It is from the etiquettes of respecting the Holy Quran that one does not put their back towards the Quran or spread their legs towards the Quran or sit in a high place when the Quran is beneath.(Bahar –e- Shari’at)

7. During recitation reflect on what you are reading. For example, when reading about punishment, one should repent; when reading about paradise, one should rejoice and pray for Jannah.
8.The way to do Sajdah of Tilaawat is as follows:If one hears or reads the Ayah of Sajdah then he should stand with the intention of performing the Sajdah of Tilaawat and say“Allaahu Akbar”and then should go straight into Sajdah and recite the Tasbih of Sajdah at least three times. Then one should say“Allaahu Akbar”and then stand up. To say Allaahu Akbar both times is Sunnah. Similarly, to stand before and after the Sajdah is Musthahab (preferable).(Dar al Mukhtar)

Reciting Qur’an whilst in Qiyaam (Standing in prayer)

Abd-Allah Ibn ‘Amr Ibn al-‘Aasnarrated that the Prophet (Salallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:Whoever recites ten Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will not be recorded as one of the forgetful. Whoever recites a hundred Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the devout, and whoever prays a thousand Aayah (verses) in qiyaam will be recorded as one of the muqantareen (those who pile up good deeds).”(Reported by Abu Dawood and Ibn Hibbaan. It is a hasan report. Sahih al-Attargheeb, 635).

35. Sunnah’s of the Night

1. If after Isha one does not have anything important to do like any Religious or any other commitments then one should go early to bed and avoid useless talk and gatherings. Going to bed early assists one in waking up early for worship as well as waking up fresher for the new day in order to work or to carry out daily tasks.

2.Recite:Bismillahبِسْمِاللَّهِ(In the name of Allah) before closing the doors of the house, before covering utensils with food in them, switch off or turn off fires, light etc(Bukhari)If one cannot find anything with which to cover the utensil then one should place a stick across the top of the utensil.(Muslim-Vol.2, pg.170)

3. To discuss with family members matters pertaining to Islam like stories of the Sahaba’s or reminders that will help increase Imaan (faith). Or to simply talk about matters that please them without getting into useless talk.(Tirmidhi)

4. Children who are aged nine or ten years of age should be separated from females in one room and males in another.(Mishkaat)

8. Recite‘Bismillah’when removing clothing as it is a cover and protection from Jinn and Shaythaan.

9. To make Miswaak before retiring to bed even if one has already made it for Isha salaat.

10. To use a pillow to rest ones head on(Muslim)

11. Rasulallahpillow was made of leather filled with palm leaves (date leaves).

12. To use leather and hide as bedding for sleeping

13. To use straw mat for sleeping

14. To sleep on a mat or carpet made of cloth

15. To sleep on the floor

16. To sleep on a bed(Nashrut Tib)

Note:To sleep on any of the above with the intention of Sunnah shall merit reward inshallah

17. If one does any of the above with the intention of sunnah then one will receive reward inshallah.

18. To sleep in a state of Wudhu,(Attargheeb)

19. It is prohibited to sleep on ones stomach as Shaythaan sleeps on his stomach(Tirmidhi)

20. It is also prohibited to sleep on the back with the one leg on top of the other(Muslim)

Note:If there is no fear of exposing ones private parts then it is permissible to sleep in this manner but one should be careful.

21. To sleep on the right side, facing towards the Qiblah(Bukhari)

22. To sleep with the right hand underneath the face like a pillow and with the knees slightly bent (Like in the recovery position)

23. One should also recite Surah Mulk before sleeping as it is saves one from the grave punishment. Surah Mulk should also be read as well as Surah Yaasin.

24. Surah Waaqi’a should be read before sleeping as it saves one from hunger and poverty(Attargheeb)

25.When one goes to bed then do the following:‘When retiring to his bed every night, the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)would hold his palms together, spit (A form of spitting comprising mainly of air with little spittle) in them, recite the last three chapters (Al-Ikhlaas, Al-Falaq, An-Naas) of the Quran and then wipe over his entire body as much as possible with his hands, beginning with his head and face and then all parts of the body, he would do this 3 times.’(Tirmidhi)

26.Whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning:

Allah! There is no God but He, the Ever Living, the One Who sustains and protects all that exists. Neither slumber nor sleep overtakes Him. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. Who is he that can intercede with Him except with His Permission? He knows what happens to them in this world, and what will happen to them in the Hereafter. And they will never encompass anything of His Knowledge except that which He wills. His Throne extends over the heavens and the earth, and He feels no fatigue in guarding and preserving them. And He is the Most High, the Most Great.(Al-Bukhari)

27.The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:‘whoever reads this when he lies down to sleep will have a guardian from Allah remain with him and Satan will not be able to come near him until he rises in the morning:

The Messenger believes in what has been send down to him from his Lord, and so do the believers. Each one believes in Allah, His Angels, His Books, and His Messengers. They say: "We make no distinction between any of His Messengers," and they say: "We hear, and we obey. (We seek) Your Forgiveness, our Lord, and to You is the return." Allah burdens not a person beyond what he can bear. He gets reward for that (good) which he has earned, and he is punished for that (evil) which he has earned. Our Lord! Punish us not if we forget or fall into error. Our Lord! Lay not on us a burden like that which You did lay on those before us. Our Lord! Put not on us a burden greater than we have strength to bear. Pardon us and grant us forgiveness. Have mercy on us. You are our Protector, and help us against the disbelieving people.(Muslim 1/554)

28. Also reciting the ten verses in Surah Baqarah at night is said to ward away Shaythaan and calamities, illnesses, worries from ones home so ones whole family is protected that night.

Those 10 verses are:The first four ayah’s of Surah Baqarah; Ayat ul Kursi and the two verses following it and the last three verses of the Surah.

29. ‘If one of you rises from his bed and then returns to it he should dust it with the edge of his garment three times for he does not know what has occurred in his absence and when he lies down he should supplicate:

‘In Your name my Lord, I lie down and in Your name I rise, so if You should take my soul then have mercy upon it, and if You should return my soul then protect it in the manner You do so with Your righteous servants.’(Al-Bukhari 1 1/ 126 and Muslim 4/2084)

30.The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)would place his right hand under his cheek when about to sleep and supplicate:

"اللَّهُمَّقِنِيعَذَابَكَيَوْمَتَبْعَثُعِبَادَكَ".

Allaahumma qinee 'athaabaka yawma tab'athu 'ibaadaka.(Three times).

‘O Allah, protect me from Your punishment on the day Your servants are resurrected.’(Abu Dawud 4/311)

I seek forgiveness from Allah besides whom there is none worthy of worship, the living, the sustainer of life and to Him i repent.(Tirmidhi-Vol.2, pg.177)

33. ‘Shall I not direct you both (The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)was addressing Ali and Fatimah- May Allah be pleased with them) when they approached him for a servant) to something better than a servant?When you go to bed say:

سبحاناللهSubhaanallah.(Thirty-three times)

Alhamdulillah.(Thirty-three times)

Allaahu Akbar.(Thirty-four times)

…for that is indeed better for you both than a servant.’

Also read Kalimah Tayyaba afterwards:

34.Before you go to bed perform ablutions as you would for prayer, then lie down on your right side and say:

‘O Allah, I submit my soul unto You, and I entrust my affair unto You, and I turn my face towards You, and I totally rely on You, in hope and fear of You. Verily there is neither refuge nor safe haven from You except with You. I believe in Your Book which You have revealed and in Your Prophet whom You have sent.’

The Prophet(Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said:"Whoever says this and dies in his sleep has died in a state of the natural monotheism (Fitrah)."(Al-Bukhari, Muslim 4/2081)

Fitrah:the religion of Islam, the way of Ibraheem.

35. To recite Bismillah 21 times is said to save ones home from theft and the evil effects of Shaythaan and sudden death.(Amal al-Yowm Wal Laylah)

36. Recite durood whilst falling asleep.

37. Dhikr is a cleanser (purifier) of the heart.(Baihaqi)

38. The remembrance of Allah just as in is about to sleep shall be a means of that person achieving high stages in Jannah.(Attargheeb)

….When you go to bed, glorify Him and praise Him and magnify Him one hundred times:that will be one hundred on the tongue and a thousand in the scales. Who among you does 2500 sayi’aat (bad deeds) in one day?’They said:‘How could we not count (our sins)?’He said:‘The Shaytaan comes to any one of you whilst he is praying and says, Remember this, remember that, until he finishes his prayer and does not do (this Dhikr), or he comes to him when he is lying down and makes him sleepy, until he falls asleep (without doing this Dhikr).’”(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 3332)

39. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)has stated that whosoever goes to bed in a state of purity (i.e. Wudhu) and such a person remembers Almighty Allah until he falls asleep then, whatever dua such a person makes (whether pertaining to this world or the next) while asleep and turning side to side, such dua’s shall certainly be granted to him by Almighty Allah.(Mishkaat)

40. To keep the prayer mat near ones head or besides bed before sleeping(Nisaa’i)

41. Precaution should be taken that children do not notice marital relations between husband and wife(Mishkaat)

42.At the time of difficulty when Sleeping:

Zaid bin Thaabit (Ra)complained to Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)of not being able to go to sleep at times and Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)advised him to recite the following dua:

Oh Allah the stars have sunk in and the eyes have become tranquil and quite and You are alive and ever lasting neither does sleep overcome You. Oh the living and ever lasting one make my night my tranquil and give my eyes sleep.(Ibn Sunni,Hisnul Hasin)

43.If afraid to go to sleep or feeling lonely or depressed then recite:

There is none worthy of worship but Allah, the One, the Victorious, Lord of the heavens and the earth and all that is between them, the All-Mighty, the All-Forgiving.(See An-Nasa'i, 'Amalul-Yawm wal-Laylah, and Ibn As-Sunni)

45. If after sleeping one experiences a pleasant dream then when ones eyes open then say:“Alhamdulillah” – All Praise be to Allah,then the pleasant dream should only be revealed to trustworthy learned ones so that the dream can be interpreted correctly.

46. If one experiences an unpleasant dream then one should spit (A form of spitting comprising mainly of air with little spittle) three times on the left side and then recite three times:

“Audhobillaahi Minashaythaanirajeem”.Also change one’s position to the other side and sleep.(Muslim-Vol.2, chapter of dreams)

47. The dream should NOT be revealed to anyone then it will bring no harm to the person(Bukhari, Muslim)

48. To have water and Miswaak ready in advance for Wudhu(Muslim)

49. To sleep with the intention of getting up for Tahajjud(Nisaa’i)

50. To read Tahajjud salaat before Subho Sadiq (Dawn)(Mishkaat)

51. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)read long rak’ahs which caused swelling of his blessed feet. Whilst reciting Qur’an in Salaah Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)used to cry excessively and this caused a wheezing sound coming from his blessed chest as if a pot was being boiled. This is due to the fear Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)had of Almighty Allah.

52. It is recommended to start the night vigil with two short rakats, because of the hadith of Abu Hurraira that the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)said,“It you get up for night prayer, start with two short rakats.”[Muslim, Ahmad, Abu Dawud]

53. Abu Hurraira (Ra)reports that the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam) was asked,“What prayer is most virtuous, after the obligatory prayers?”He said,“Prayer in the depths of the night.”(Muslim, Abu Dawud, Tirmidhi, Nisaa’i, Ibn Majah)

54. For Tahajjud one should read at least 2 Rak’ahs and a maximum of 12 rak’ahs. This is Sunnah. However there is no limit for (Nafil) voluntary worship. One may also do a lot of Dhikrullah as well as recitation of the Qur’an.

55.The dua's at the time of Tahajjud are very readily accepted by Almighty Allah and one should repent and ask of Allah and try to cry in their dua's at this time, if one cannot cry due to the hardness of ones heart due to sin then at least one should make the face as if one is crying. Just as a mother tends to her baby quickly and promptly when it cries the same way Allah attends to his servant quicker when they are crying.

We should try and pray Tahajjud every night as it is one of the best and most rewarding Nafil prayers and makes it possible for one to gain the top ranks of Jannah (Heaven). If not then at least pray it as much as we can.

If one is overcome by sleep then it is best to sleep but one should always ensure that one does not miss their Fajr. Men should do their best to attend Fajr with Jamaat as this is huge rewards and women get the same reward for praying at home.

36. Sunnah’s especially for females

1. If a female must set out of the house out of necessity then she should walk on the side and not the middle of any street or path way(Abu Dawud)

2. It is preferable that a female be content with silver jewellery and not demand or insist on Gold.(Ibid)

3. Whosoever out of vanity and pride wears Gold jewellery shall be punished in the hereafter.(Ibid)

4. Females should not wear jewellery or accessories that make a jingling sound with movement so as to attract attention upon herself. The same applies to wearing high heels which are wrong to attract attention and also cause a lot of noise when walking.

5. It is preferable for females to keep using mendhi (henna) on the hands.(Ibid)

6. Rasulallah (Sallallahu Alaihi wasallam)stated that the perfume used by females should not have a smell.(Ibid)

Note:The perfume that is worn out must not be so strong so that other men may be able to smell and not so much that it leaves a trail behind.

7. Females including young girls should not wear thin clothes that are see through. The clothes should be thick enough not to be see through.

8. Females should also not wear tight fitting clothes which reveal the figure and definitions. They should also not wear clothes that are too bright so as to avoid attracting attention upon herself.

9. A female should not wear so much make up when going out so as to look too done up when going out. Kohl can be applied if there is no risk of fitna but one should always be careful when going out as beautified eyes can attract a lot of attention.

Note:If front of her husband she can dress and wear as much make up as she wants.

10. If the headgear is thin then a thick scarf should be worn below it. In a similar manner if the clothes are also thin then a thick loose fitting petticoat (undergarment)should be worn below such clothing.(Ibid)

11. Females must not wear clothes which reveal the contours and shapes of their bodily definitions. For such clothing is not hijaab but shows the women wanting to actually invite attention upon herself.

12. A female must not remain at any time in the company of strangers i.e. one whom she is not prohibited from marrying.

13. The Muslim women is a beautiful jewel whose beauty should only be admired by her husband and not non mahram’s.

37. Sunnah’s when a child is born

1. It is a truly joyous occasion when parents are blessed with the birth of a child. They are truly lucky because not all parents are able to have children. However, the extent of such happiness is dependant upon the extent to which the Shari’at is observed and that all other traditions and rituals are cast aside since they are not a part of Islam.